23 May 2010

The Inkatha Freedom Party has expressed its concern with reports that the newly-appointed Head of News at the SABC, Mr Phil Molefe, was appointed under illegitimate and irregular circumstances.

"It is a matter of great concern to the IFP that the public broadcaster is again making the news for all the wrong reasons. We were optimistic that the SABC would be able to address its critical problems, chart a new way forward and unite under the new Chairperson, but recent statements by board members prove to the contrary," said Reverend Musa Zondi MP, the IFP's Spokesperson on Communications.

Reverend Zondi said that SABC board chairman Dr Ben Ngubane needed to come clean on the latest crisis within the SABC.

"The SABC must regain credibility and the public's confidence. It is therefore important that the SABC Chairman explain to the public exactly what processes were followed in appointing Mr Molefe. The position of Head of News at the SABC is always bound to be a controversial appointment, if one takes into account the past track-records and scandals associated with previous appointees to this post. We need assurance that this wasn't another political appointment" concluded Reverend Zondi.

Contact: Reverend Musa Zondi MP, 083 448 5956.