Cape Town – The DA claims that the ANC members of the portfolio committee on communications recommended to President Jacob Zuma for appointment to the SABC board was on the basis of party political loyalties.

On Tuesday Parliament released the names of 12 people recommended to President Jacob Zuma for appointment to the SABC board.

The list includes the current interim chairperson of the board, Ellen Tshabalala, her deputy Noluthando Gosa and a past member of the broadcaster’s board, Vusumuzi Mavuso.

The others are Ronnie Lubisi, Thembinkosi Bonakele, Rachel Kalidass, Nomvuyo Mhlakaza, Bongani Khumalo, Mbulaheni Obert Maguvhe, Krish Naidoo, Aaron Tshidzumba and Hope Zinde.

In a statement, DA MP Marian Shinn said Parliament had had the opportunity to select a new board to steer the SABC into calm waters.

“Instead, ANC members of the portfolio committee on communications chose to select candidates on the basis of party political loyalties and not proficiency for the task at hand.”

The 12 board members proposed and accepted by the ANC were rejected by the DA and other political parties.

They felt the proposed board deviated from the draft agreed on by the committee task team last week, and said the ANC was not prepared to negotiate about the proposed board.

“The DA will oppose the ANC in Parliament’s list of SABC board candidates when it is tabled for a vote on Thursday.

“It is disappointing that the ANC in Parliament refused to select a capable and effective board to fix it,” Shinn said.

– SAPA