National Assembly Cape Town: 13 September 2007  

The IFP will record its objection to the appointment of this highly contentious and politically-biased Board for many reasons. 

While we could FULLY support 7 candidates overall -- whether they were clearly ANC-aligned or not was IRRELEVANT given their various expertises -- the ENTIRE "package" of 12 put together by the ANC tells a story of toxic and cynical political manipulation.  

Numerous outstanding candidates who, in a BALANCED COLLECTIVE, could have contributed greatly in promoting confidence in the public broadcaster by ensuring independent journalistic excellence, good governance, integrity and a TOTAL commitment to local talent and local television and radio production were REJECTED outright. 

The ANC would not allow Opposition parties to negotiate alternatives to their decision in any way whatsoever.   

This was a final list cast in stone which obviously descended on the Committee from "above" and beyond this Hon. House.  

An SABC Board weighted with "the right stuff" and political muscle was clearly required by those with the power in the ANC to meet the needs of the forthcoming "Polokwane process" and the 2009 general elections. 

It is nothing short of tragic that candidates worthy of selection -- and who overwhelmingly impressed the entire committee during the interview process -- were so ruthlessly ignored. 

The public put their confidence in us by submitting the names of more than 140 candidates. Like the "Curate's egg" this Board is good in parts and bad in parts but in its totality it may well prove to be a disaster. Clearly, time will tell.