15 January 2009
The SACP has noted media remarks by ANC Chief, Cde Nyamezeli Booi about the delay in the enactment of the Broadcasting Amendment Bill by the President of the Republic.
The SACP regards this delay as unfortunate and a major stumbling block for us to move swiftly to transform the public broadcaster into a truly public broadcaster consistent with the resolutions of Polokwane. We are happy that parliament will be taking up this issue with the President and we wish to express our full support to this engagement.
Our nation cannot be subjected to the continued mediocrity that the SABC under this current board has subjected the public broadcaster to. We cannot go into an election period with the public broadcaster in such a sorry state.
Whilst we respect the responsibility of the President to apply his mind to the constitutionality of matters put before him, it remains our understanding that in this case parliament has fully applied its mind to the relevant provisions as raised during the public consultations.
Then calls upon the President to sign the bill into law without any further delay.
Issued by the SACP.
Contact:
Malesela Maleka
SACP Spokesperson – 082 226 1802