Right2Know responds to the appointment of the new SABC Board Members

The Right2Know Campaign appreciates the promptness of the appointments and hopes that careful consideration was taken even with the prompt appointments.  We acknowledge the hard work of those involved in the appointment process – in Parliament and in civil society. We are however wary of media reports that the President consulted with the communications minister in confirming the appointments. Any attempt by the Minister or any other member of the executive to control what goes on at the SABC should be resisted in the strongest terms.

The R2K congratulates the new COO Dr Van Rooyen. We trust with the extensive experience and education under his belt he will take SABC to new heights that see the public broadcaster more independent and representative of the public of South Africa. We appreciate that the SABC has committed to supporting Van Rooyen with all he needs.

We call on the new board members to keep the SABC independent of political parties, especially with national elections underway. We remind the new Board of its responsibility to ensure the smooth and fair running of SABC, and that staff are paid on time, and incidents of sexual harassment are addressed fully. The board should hit the ground running on fundraising strategies. We trust the board will practise fairness, transparency and defend the independence and integrity of the institution. The new board members must ensure that freedom of expression and freedom of the media will be advanced and that the SABC will truly reflect the character of an independent public broadcaster.

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For Comment:

Lazola Kati

0729567753

Communication Rights Organizer