MEDIA STATEMENT
STATEMENT BY THE SABC BOARD
Johannesburg, 23 May 2010 –The SABC Board resolved that the purported appointment of the Group Executive News & Current Affairs, Mr. Phil Molefe is null and void and has no legal effect.
In a special Board meeting held yesterday, May 22nd, attended by 10 out of its 12 non-executive directors, the Board heard legal opinion that the appointment was not lawful because it had not been made by the Board in a manner required by the SABC’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.
The Articles of Association and Delegation of Authority Framework states that appointments at a Group Executive level must be made by the Board. This is couched in mandatory terms.
Thus the Board believes it would be failing in its fiduciary and oversight duties were it not to exercise this responsibility.
After deliberating for several hours yesterday afternoon and evening, the Board unanimously agreed that the appointment of Mr. Molefe as Chief Executive of News and Current Affairs was not legal.
It agreed that a process of assessing candidates, that had not yet been concluded, must continue.
It should be stressed that the Board regrets any embarrassment to any of the candidates for the position of Chief Executive News and Current Affairs. The decision taken by the Board is not intended to harm or prejudice any candidate but is solely aimed at conforming to corporate governance rules.
The Board stands by its commitment when taking office in January 2010 to oversee the reorganisation and revival of the SABC as a national public broadcaster worthy of the people of South Africa. The Board believes that the trust and credibility that needs to be restored in the SABC must start with transparent and clear rules of corporate governance.
‘FEEL IT, IT IS HERE’- THE SABC IS THE OFFICIAL BROADCASTER OF THE 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP.
ENDS
Issued By: Group Communications
Media Enquiries: Kaizer Kganyago (SABC Spokesperson)
082 306 8888
