President Cyril Ramaphosa has refused to appoint the new board of the SABC

President Cyril Ramaphosa has refused to appoint the new board of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), citing concerns about some of the candidates' qualifications and alleged conflicts of interest.

The SABC is the country's public broadcaster and has been plagued by financial difficulties, declining ratings, and allegations of political interference in recent years. The previous board's term expired in September 2021, and the process to appoint a new board has been delayed since then.

President Ramaphosa's decision to withhold the appointment of the new board has raised concerns about the future of the SABC and its ability to fulfill its mandate as a public broadcaster. Some critics have accused the President of dragging his feet on the matter and prioritizing political interests over the public interest.

However, in a statement released by the Presidency, Ramaphosa defended his decision and said that he was committed to appointing a board that was "competent, experienced, and free from any conflicts of interest." He added that he had instructed the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, to review the list of candidates and address any concerns that may arise.

The President's decision has been welcomed by some civil society organizations and media watchdogs, who have been calling for a transparent and independent process to appoint the new board. However, others have criticized the delay and expressed concerns about the SABC's future and its ability to serve the public interest.

The SABC has been struggling financially, with reports suggesting that it is facing a severe funding shortfall and may be forced to cut jobs and programs to stay afloat. The broadcaster has also faced criticism for its editorial independence and allegations of political interference, with some accusing the previous board of being too close to the ruling African National Congress (ANC).

The appointment of a new board is seen as a crucial step in addressing these challenges and restoring the SABC's credibility as a public broadcaster. However, with the President's decision to withhold the appointment, the future of the SABC remains uncertain, and the public will be closely watching to see how this situation unfolds.