As speculation grows that President Thabo Mbeki will appoint Christine Qunta as chairperson of the SABC’s next board, civil society has expressed its dismay.
Qunta is tipped to take over from current chair Eddie Funde. Qunta made it on to the final shortlist of 12 names recommended by the communications portfolio committee earlier this month.
Jane Duncan, Freedom of Expression Institute executive director, says in terms of the Broadcasting Act, people who are appointed to the SABC board should be committed to fairness, freedom of expression and the right of the public to be informed. ‘We do not believe that Christine Qunta has proved her credentials in these respects.†As the deputy chairperson of the current board, Qunta has been party to incidents that demonstrate a lack of fairness, as well as a propensity for censorship, opacity and misinformation, Duncan says.
‘In her interview with the portfolio committee she accused the ‘commercial press’ of deliberately attempting to harm the SABC, which really dodges the issue of the legitimacy of much of the criticism. This is hardly surprising as Qunta has made it clear that she does not think that there are problems at the SABC,†Duncan says.
Treatment Action Campaign leader Zackie Achmat says his organisation will take legal action if Qunta is re-appointed to the SABC board. The fact that she was involved in the contentious health firm, Comforters Healing Gift, which sells untested HIV/Aids remedies, clearly shows that the SABC board is no place for Qunta, says Achmat. ‘If the president goes on to appoint her officially, we will definitely take the matter to court.â€
Cosatu also opposes Qunta’s nomination.