The SA National Editors' Forum (Sanef) is concerned about the bizarre situation that has developed at the SA Broadcasting Corporation where the head of news and current affairs programmes Dr. Snuki Zikalala was suspended pending an inquiry into his conduct by Group Chief Executive Adv. Dali Mpofu who in turn was suspended a day later by the SABC board pending an inquiry into his alleged refusal to implement decisions of the board.

The board itself, only a few days earlier, was told by the parliamentary portfolio committee on communications that the committee had lost confidence in it, indicating that the appointment of its members is likely to be reviewed, if not ended, by parliament soon.

The top level disciplinary issues and staff departures are likely to have a highly disruptive effect on the conduct of the broadcaster's operations.

Sanef believes that the selection of board members should be reviewed to avoid party political influences and ensure greater civil society participation. Another factor that needs to be reconsidered is the political “deployment” of executives to the SABC.

Sanef hopes that the issues will be speedily resolved so that the broadcaster, which communicates to the biggest media audience in the country, will be able to return to the role of public broadcaster as per its mandate.

Issued by: SA National Editors' Forum (SANEF)
09 May 2008