After facing heavy criticism from opposition parties, President Cyril Ramaphosa has finally appointed a new board for the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).
The appointment comes almost six months after the previous board’s term ended, with some accusing Ramaphosa’s Cabinet ministers of political interference.
The newly appointed board will be chaired by Khathutshelo Ramukumba, with Nomvuyiso Batyi serving as deputy chairperson, other board members include Phathiswa Magopeni, a former SABC head of news, and Magdalene Moonsamy, a former member of Parliament.
Ramaphosa expressed his trust in the new board to ensure a stable and independent public broadcaster, which he acknowledged as a vital institution of South Africa’s constitutional democracy.
The appointment process was delayed due to security vetting of shortlisted candidates and legal concerns raised by Ramaphosa.
Parliament received a legal opinion stating that the president’s questioning of the number of candidates shortlisted had no “basis in law”, the appointment of the new board is expected to bring much-needed stability to the SABC, which has been facing financial woes and leadership crises in recent years.