President can fire SABC board
2008-08-13 16:01
Cape Town - The National Assembly's communications committee on Wednesday approved the draft Broadcast Amendment Bill, which provides, among other things, for the removal of SABC board members.
The measure was opposed by the Democratic Alliance and the Inkatha Freedom Party.
The current Broadcasting Act provides for board members to be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the National Assembly for a period of five years.
It provides only for a board member to be removed on recommendation of the board itself.
Thus, there is currently no mechanism for the dissolution of the board, or the resignation or removal of board members who do not perform their obligations under the Act.
The new bill addresses these shortcomings.
In terms of the bill, the board will be appointed by the President in consultation with the Speaker of the National Assembly (the "appointing body").
Instead of the President appointing the board chairperson, the appointing body will do so on the recommendation of the National Assembly. A deputy chair will be appointed in the same way.
Provision is also made for the National Assembly to recommend the removal from office of a board member by the appointing body for a number of reasons.
These include misconduct, inability to perform duties efficiently, missing three consecutive board meetings without permission, and non-disclosure of interests.
Similarly, the National Assembly can recommend the board's dissolution if it fails to carry out its fiduciary duties, adhere to the charter, or to carry out its duties in terms of the Act.
Board members can resign by giving a three-month written notice.
The bill further provides for the appointment of an interim board.
- SAPA