“New SABC Chair only there due to links with Minister and COO” - DA

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused President Jacob Zuma of fast tracking the decline of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) following his appointment of Mbulaheni Maghuve has the public broadcaster’s new Chairperson late yesterday afternoon.

Maghuve, who had been serving as Acting Chairperson, fills the gap left vacant by former Chairperson Ellen Tshabalala, who tendered in her resignation in December last year after being found guilty of having lied about her academic qualifications.

In a statement, DA Shadow Minister for Communications, Gavin Davis, said that Maghuve, along with his newly elected deputy, Leah Khumalo, were only selected to their positions after voting in favour for the appointment of Hlaudi Motsoeneng as the broadcaster’s now suspended Chief Operations Officer (COO) in July last year.

Davis also claimed that Maghuve is known to have close ties with Minister Faith Muthambi, and that he had been responsible for the “illegal” removal of board members Hope Zinde, Rachel Kalidass and Ronnie Lubisi earlier this year.

“At the time, when questioned on Zinde’s removal in Parliament, Maghuve said: “She’s removed. Once we remove… she’s removed.

“Maghuve has shown himself to be a pliant and loyal Acting Chairperson. He is now being rewarded for getting rid of excellent and independently-minded Board Members and protecting Hlaudi Motsoeneng when he should have been fired,” Davis said, adding that it remains unclear as to whether “ the President applied his mind to Maghuve’s track record when he made [this] decision”.