New SABC chair 'humbled'

2007-12-23 11:41

Johannesburg - The new SABC chairperson, Khanyisiwe Mkhonza, had paid tribute to the outgoing board in a statement to the media on Sunday.

"The outgoing Board under the leadership of Eddie Funde has done well and has been successful in implementing its mandate during its four year tenure" she said.

Mkhonza takes over from Eddie Funde whom she believed had done a great job in the position.

She said it would be a great challenge to follow in his footsteps.

"It is an honour and a privilege to be assigned this responsibility, I am humbled by the confidence shown in me to lead a team that I believe consists of very experienced and capable individuals," she said.

Mkhonza, who is the current chairperson of the Public Broadcasting Services (PSB) board sub-committee, acknowledged challenges facing the new board.

It would have to "revisit the public broadcaster's funding model, increase attention on technology recapitalisation ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, including working closely with ICT partners on digitisation and positioning the SABC in the new competitive environment of convergence of technology as well as the introduction of more television players in the market" she said.

The current Deputy Chairperson, Christine Qunta has retained her position.

Other board members who retained their positions include Ashwin Trikamjee, Alison Gilwald, Andile Mbeki and Fadila Lagadien.

Other members of the new board include IEC Chief Executive, Advocate Pansy Tlakula, businesswoman Gloria Serobe, former presidential spokesperson, Bheki Khumalo, businessman Peter Vundla, Nadia Bulbulia and Desmond Golding.

The appointment of the new board is effective from January 1, 2008.

- SAPA