“What is, however, different from what has been said before is that they no longer intend to keep him on for the next few months until they find a replacement,” Bird said.
“This then begs the questions as to why the board has now decided to appoint Phil Molefe in a caretaker position. It further begs the question as to why the SABC still appears not to have any kind of succession plan. Had there been one it would seem unusual, unless there are exceptional circumstances, for a caretaker appointment to be made.”
The board, led by iron-lady Kanyi Mkonza, yesterday announced a litany of changes to bring what it said ‘stability to the organisation'.
But Bird said: “The question that then arises from this is what has changed in the last few weeks? A cynic may argue that these actions are more about the board being seen to take action in light of the investigation into its affairs that is likely to take place as a result of the passing of the Broadcast Amendment Act.”
The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI), an organisation which has been vociferously opposing the SABC's ‘biased' editorial policies for some time, has welcomed the news of Zikalala's demise, saying it is better for the SABC's integrity that he moved on.
FXI director Jane Duncan said: “He has been at the heart of many of the most troubling editorial decisions taken by the SABC in the past few years.
“And the fact that the board has failed to deal decisively with the findings of the Sisulu Commission has left a cloud hanging over Zikalala's head. Granted, SABC delivered admirably on their promise of performance regarding the 2009 election coverage, but that does not remove the fact that Zikalala's editorial independence is in question.”
Some observers believe the decision not to renew Zikalala's contract mighty have been influenced by extreme political pressure exerted on the board.
But Duncan said: “It is impossible to say whether there has been political pressure being brought to bear by the ANC on the board. But most political parties represented in Parliament, and which serve on the Portfolio Committee on Communications, have been unhappy with Zikalala ever since his reappointment.”
“Had he been reappointed, it may have raised the ire of all these parties, not just the ANC. The thing is that the board's chickens are now coming home to roost. The old board failed to deal decisively with the Sisulu Commission findings. The findings contained evidence of dismissible offences.
“The new board continued to shield Zikalala, which is hardly surprising given that half of the old board is the new board. Given the shift in power in the ANC, as well as opposition party unhappiness, they have no allies among the parliamentary parties on this particular issue.
“So, I would attribute the decision not to renew Zikalala's contract to the board having read the terrain, and having decided that they are too weak to continue shielding Zikalala, rather than to any direct interference in their decision making.”
Zikalala could not be reached for comment by the time of going to press.
For more:
