Faced with protests from producers, labour threats from unions,
hostility from the ANC alliance, and internal revolt, embattled SABC
board chairperson Khanyi Mkhonza has capitulated and resigned, writes Siyabonga Mkhwanazi in The Star.
But she remains an ordinary board member while the ANC's alliance structures want the entire board dissolved.
Most members of the board apparently turned on Mkhonza and declared a vote of no confidence in her. They replaced her with fellow board member Ashwin Trikamjee.
Her resignation, during a tense and lengthy board meeting yesterday, follows the departure of three other board members, the dismissal of group chief executive Dali Mpofu and the exit of head of news Snuki Zikalala.
'I respect her for putting the interests of the SABC before her own'
New Communications Minister Siphiwe Nyanda and the chairperson of the parliamentary committee on communications, Ishmail Vadi, last night welcomed Mkhonza's decision to step down.
"The minister has noted the decision of the board to replace Mkhonza. The minister will support that decision hoping they will find a suitable candidate to replace her," Nyanda said in a statement.
Vadi described Mkhonza's decision as "sensible" and hoped that her replacement would be able to carry on with the work.
Vadi said: "I think it's a sensible and thoughtful move on her part. I respect her for putting the interests of the SABC before her own personal interest."
The revolt against Mkhonza had been brewing for several weeks, with fellow board member Bheki Khumalo penning a scathing leaked letter in which he made it clear Mkhonza should go.
Click here to read the full report, posted on iol.co.za.
