SABC situation is 'bizarre'
09/05/2008 14:44  - (SA)  

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Zikalala up for Mpofu's job? SABC seen as 'whipping boy' Disband SABC board, says union 'Govt won't interfere at SABC'

Johannesburg - Recent developments at the SABC are "bizarre", says the SA National Editors Forum (Sanef).

"We are concerned about the bizarre situation that has developed at the SABC where the head of news and current affairs programmes Dr Snuki Zikalala was suspended pending an inquiry into his conduct by group chief executive Dali Mpofu who in turn was suspended a day later by the SABC board pending an inquiry," the forum said on Friday.

Parliament's communications portfolio committee had also recently stated it had lost confidence in the board.

"The top-level disciplinary issues and staff departures are likely to have a disruptive effect on the conduct of the broadcaster's operations," Sanef said in a statement.

The selection of board members should be reviewed to avoid political influences and ensure greater civil society participation.

The political "deployment" of executives at the SABC should also be reconsidered.

Sanef said it hoped the issues would be resolved as soon as possible so that the broadcaster could continue its mandate as public broadcaster.