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SABC PRESENTATION TO THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON

COMMUNICATIONS

26 February 2008

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AGENDA

1. Introduction of delegation – Chairperson

2. Background and context - Chairperson

3. Sisulu report : progress - Group CEO

4. Labour Relations matters - Group CEO

5. PSL and Radio Rights - Mr Trikamjee

6. Questions

7. Conclusion - Chairperson

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Background and context

• First meeting of the Board with the Committee and we welcome opportunity.

• We hope to put closure on some of the old issues from the previous Board and start on a clean slate.

• Hope to give assurance on the leadership of the SABC(appropriate policies and strategies)

• Going forward – an exciting future for SABC in the new ICT and Media landscape.

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Background to Sisulu report

• First briefing to the Portfolio Committee at a special sitting – 30 October 2006.

• Second briefing – 16 March 2007.

• Third briefing - 15 August 2007

• Fourth briefing – 6 November 2007

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Detailed account by Group CEO.

Hand over to Group CEO to take Committee through some of the history and update on implementation of recommendations.

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Background and Context

In July 2006,the Group CEO appointed the Commission and drafted the terms of reference covering the following issues:-

1. Existence of a “blacklist”.2. Perceived or real low morale within News

and Current Affairs division.3. International best practice

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Issues from Report

On Commission’s procedure and methodology:-

‘The proceedings before the Commission were not a trial

nor a vehicle for enquiry into labour disputes. The

Commission’s task was to investigate the matters within

it’s terms of reference. In certain instances, there are

irresoluble disputes of fact. However, the core findings

are based on evidence that is undisputed.’ (3.4 of report)

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Issues from Report Continued

On the SABC’s Editorial policies:-

‘The SABC occupies a distinctive position of trust in the lives of

its viewers and listerners,we are the most distinctive, all-

inclusive and diverse news organisation in South Africa. The

SABC considers it a duty to provide consistent, relevant, useful

and top quality information and analysis on which all South

Africans can rely as they discuss and deliberate, form opinions

and build a common future.

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Commission’s Approach

The policy further states:-

‘The SABC should offer information that is substantial, and

analysis that is authentic and meaningful to ordinary,

enquiring South Africans so that they can form their own

opinions.’(4.7 report)

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Commission’s Approach Continued

THE EVIDENCE ON EXCLUSION OF COMMENTATORS

‘Our point of departure is that it is perfectly permissible for the

SABC to have in place a policy dealing with the selection

and utilisation of commentators and analysts. Nobody who

appeared before the Commission suggested otherwise.

Clearly, the SABC has a duty to screen persons as authentic

experts and persons who will add value to programming. Mr

Mpofu stressed the matter of quality in this regard.

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Progress on implementation of recommendations

Recommendation : Clause 10.1-10.4 of Commission report (paraphrased ):

-No instruction to exclude any analyst should be given without proper motivation; if decision is contested then upward referral to Group CEO as Editor-in-Chief; entitlement of journalists to written reasons.

Status : Implemented and communicated to News management.

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Implementation update (continued)

Clause 10.4 & 10.6

- Incorporation of above measures into SABC Editorial policies.

Status : New Board will determine the need and process to be followed as required by legislation

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Implementation update (continued)

Clause 10.5

-Must adress micromanagement; clarify GE : News job description.

Status : Implemented. Discussed in counseling meeting between Mr Funde;Group CEO and GE:News&Current Affairs in November 2006

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Implementation : Update

Clause 10.7

- Annual review of use of commentators

Status : Referred to new unit called Market Intelligence, report in respect of the 2007/8 year will be considered by the Board, after year end.

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Implementation update (continued)

Clause 10.8

- Training on how to interview analysts

Status : Implemented, on going training in broad socio-political context, in conjunction with tertiary institutions.

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Implementation update (continued)

Clause 10.9-Reinforcement of the position of GCEO as

Editor-in-Chief; establish a senior management forum in news, receive feedback, dedicated position for policy compliance.

Status :Already in place. Upward referral system perfectly in place. News Cluster established. Compliance Manager appointed to monitor group –wide legislative and policy compliance.

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Implementation update (continued)

• Clause 10.10 - The Board to take cogniscance of the

concerns about management style of Dr Zikalala

Status : Addressed by former Chairperson and Group CEO.Board accepted recommendation of disciplinary action. Verbal warning and counseling implemented

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Seapoint Labour issues

Clause 8.9 of the Sisulu report:-“The Commission was presented with documentary

evidence emanating from Seapoint SABC news office...in the main it was beyond the terms of reference of our enquiry because it related to employment issues. We accordingly did not hear oral evidence on these issues.Nevertheless,we feel it is important to state that there appears to be serious problems at the Seapoint office which, if true, are concerned with issues of political partisanship....we strongly recommend to the Group CEO that these issues be fully investigated.”

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Seapoint continue

Group CEO response: Evaluated the merits of these allegations of favouritism,racial bias and allocation of time and resources to Political parties (interviewed three employees separately).

Exchange of robust correspondence between Tony Leon and Group CEO in respect of specific incident of the coverage of the DA MP whose wife had allegedly stolen welfare money and complaints of the Seapoint office coverage of this story.

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Seapoint continued

Group CEO’s conclusion

No discernible merits in the accusations:

more about actions of a politician and some aggrieved or disgruntled employees labour relations issues disguised as broader political issues

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Disciplinary Cases/Investigations

• Would be improper to discuss specific cases, especially those which are pending.

• Would constitute unlawful and unfair labour practice

• Will however deal with those cases already in the public domain

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Process

Process1.Awareness : Receive an allegation of

improper conduct multiple ways)2.Evaluation :Establish prima facie merit

(Internal Audit/GCEO/Board)3.Investigation/withdrawal:Nature of

investigation varies with gravity and nature of alleged offence

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Process continue

4.(Withdrawal or)

(i) Disciplinary Action

(ii)Civil suit

(iii)Criminal charge

Or any combination of these.

5.Finding and clearance /sanction,etc.

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Specific cases1. Sihlali (allegation :fraud, intimidation) – Resigned in September - Tried to withdraw resignation - Already terminated - Criminal action (and possible civil action)2.Co.Secretary- Ramani Naidoo -Investigation confirmed reasonable suspect. -DC sat in December and February -Outcome received last week and being communicated

to the legal representative of employee.

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Lesedi FM

• Fraud amounting to R32 m

• More fraud recently uncovered

• Special investigating unit/CCU

• Trial continuing.

Other matters identified in annual report still at an early or sensitive stage:e.g.Sharoda Rapeti

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SABC PSL ARBITRATION AWARD..IMPACT ON RADIO RIGHTS

• Award was strictly concerned with TV rights/Supersport deal

• PSL Chairperson on record confirming this• PSL has granted SABC interim radio rights

covering current period• Permanent rights still under negotiation with

clubs

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TV Rights

• SABC /Supersport and PSL signed a tripartite agreement on 25 October 2007

• SABC covered itself against unsuccessful outcome

• Have right to broadcast 143 games vs last seasons’ 106

• Continuing concerns about quality of games available and financial effect of not holding gatekeeper rights.

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Conclusion

• Hope info comprehensive enough to close al gaps

• Look forward to future engagements on totality of done by SABC e.g. full spectrum programming; total coverage of sports including development of sports

• Board is committed to changing not only perception about SABC but building a genuine Public Service Broadcaster whose integrity is unquestionable

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END

Thank You.