The SABC in chaos & crisis: Who exactly are the 5 new people whose names were called out in parliament's National Assembly today and nominated to become the new 5 member interim SABC board?
The names of Ellen Tshabalala as SABC chairperson, Noluthando Gasa as deputy chairperson and Ronny Lubisi, Iraj Abedian and Vusi Mavuso were "recommended" by Eric Kholwane in the National Assembly and bulldozed through parliament today for the "acceptance" of president Jacob Zuma.
Parliament and the portfolio committee on communications either had to go the long route (which would take too long since the SABC's corporate governance is in total meltdown) and slowly appoint new SABC board members to fill the massive number of gaps which requires public consultation, or dissolve the entire SABC board.
The Broadcasting Act makes it possible to dissolve the entire SABC board and appoint an interim SABC board for a temporary 6 month basis - a process that does not require consultation and which is what happened today.
Meanwhile all the questions as to what actually happened, why it happened, why it all keeps happening and which is what parliament and the portfolio committee on communications is supposed to be doing and asking, remains unanswered as the fractured SABC continues it steady decline in governance and brand image as public broadcaster.
Apparently had "extensive experience" in banking, strategic development, international business and investment.
Why this person would be recommended again after she just resigned (why do you want someone who just made it clear they the person doesn't want to be there and be in such a position?) is not clear.
Of course Noluthando resigned before in December 2005. Then came back. Now she's resigned again. And is asked back again.
This would be Nolly's third stint as a SABC board member after she just resigned days ago. Nols apparently also has "extensive experience" about the inner workings of the SABC. Youbetcha. So much so that you actually resign because of it.
Vusi Mavuso
The former chairperson of the board of directors of Transparency International (South Africa) who also served on the Public Service Commission as part of the ethics committee. How about some transparency at the SABC, Vusi? Like why viewers have to watch The Cosby Show on SABC3 and SABC1 and not yet also on SABC2.
Ronny Lubisi
Apparently a chartered accountant.
The only name on this list I know. A well-respected economist and analyst. A brilliant strategic thinker, a wonderful speaker and a clever public finance management expert.
A board member of the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA).
Sadly this is also the only person where there is a chance that he might not accept the position as a SABC board member.
