The ANC issued a statement on Tuesday 7 September in which it welcomes the announcement by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) board that it had finally confirmed “the appointment of veteran journalist Phil Molefe as group executive for News and Current Affairs – a move which will go a long way in restoring the much-needed stability at the public broadcaster’.
The ANC states that it had been concerned about the board’s opposition to the appointment of Phil Molefe. “We have been concerned about the legal implications the earlier opposition to the appointment would have on the SABC and the board’s credibility. This should now bring to an end any doubts of whether the appointment had board support.’
Molefe is described by ANC spokesman Brian Sokutu as “a well-rounded newsman who brings experience, knowledge and expertise to the SABC. His election as vice-chairman of the Commonwealth Broadcasters’ Association is recognition of his broad journalistic and leadership qualities’.
According to Natasha Michael, the DA communications spokesman who is quoted in The Times today, Molefe has close links to the ANC and that the DA believed he would not act fairly and independently.
Michael also maintained that Molefe’s appointment was “procedurally flawed’.
