THE INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY
IFP WELCOMES SABC APPOINTMENTS
CAPE TOWN : FEBRUARY 11, 2000
Suzanne Vos MP, IFP Spokesperson on Posts, Telecommunications and Broadcasting has welcomed the appointment of the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and Board members of the SABC, which were confirmed by President Mbeki today.
Ms Vos said:
"The Inkatha Freedom Party welcomes the appointment of the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the SABC Board and board members as approved by the National Assembly. Both Mr Vincent Maphai and Mrs Barbara Masekela were clearly outstanding candidates and their appointments were almost a forgone conclusion."
"The IFP believes that for the first time in many years the SABC has a properly structured and balanced Board consisting of persons whose skills encompass the entire range of qualifications required to drive the development of the public broadcaster and properly structure components for future commercialisation."
"Members have already indicated their intention to be a hands-on Board. Most members are well aware of existing problems within the Corporation and the IFP is confident that corporate governance within the SABC will receive focus and direction."
"The IFP has requested the Portfolio Committee on Communications and the SABC to actively promote the development of local content in the programming of all South African broadcasters and it is hoped that the new Board will make this issue a priority. Broadcasters have for too long taken the easy and cheap route of importing and scheduling international programmes at the expense of the development of South African directors, producers, writers and artists."
"It is clear that the broadcasters are flouting their licence obligations, the injunctions of the Independent Broadcasting Authority and the intent of the Broadcasting Act. The IFP is expecting the new Board to insist that South Africans, through their public broadcaster, be able to witness themselves and their society reflected impartially and independently by their fellow South Africans."
"The cultural imperialism as reflected by the screening of overtly American, European and Australian programmes must be stopped and innovative ways and means found to rapidly encourage the development of uniquely South African productions. The IFP wishes the new Board members well in the challenging task before them."
For Further Information:
Ms Suzanne Vos MP 083 303 0451
IFP Parliamentary Media Unit, Cape Town 021 403 3965