Date: 06/04/2005
Source: North West Provincial Government
Title: Molewa: Stakeholders dinner in honour of the SABC board


Speech by North West Premier, Edna Molewa, at the stakeholders in honour of the SABC board held at the Broadcast Centre, Mafikeng

Director of Ceremonies, Mr Snyman Rankane
Mr Sonwabo Eddie Funde, Chairperson of the SABC Board
Deputy Chairperson Ms Christine Qunta
Members of the SABC Board
SABC Regional General Manager Mr Simon Mulaudzi
Her Worship the Executive Mayor Ms Nomvula Hlangwana
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen

Last year in August, we had the singular opportunity to interact with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) here in Mafikeng, as they traversed the length and breadth of our country, including this province, soliciting informed input on their proposed Editorial Policies.

It was an unprecedented move in the entire history of the SABC. It confirmed to all South Africans and other stakeholders that our national broadcaster had turned a crucial corner and now considered itself an integral part of our communities and therefore desired their policies to be as inclusive as possible, having undertaken the widest consultative process in its history of existence.

Gone were the days, the SABC unequivocally asserted, when our national broadcaster would be almost intractably beholden to the narrow oppressive interests of a minority to the deliberate exclusion of the majority of the country’s citizens. Like all sectors of our society, the SABC simply could not be immune to the necessary corrective process of transformation sweeping the country as we build a South Africa that belongs to all who live in it, black and white, rich or poor.

We commended the SABC then, as we do again now, for continuously subjecting its policies and some of its internal operations to public scrutiny. We viewed such a process as a critical step towards, among other things, public accountability, good governance and openness, values that underpin our democracy and which are held dear by millions of our people.

We thanked the SABC then, as we do again today, for engaging the North West public in their policy consultations and we hope that they found the collective input of the people of North West much worthwhile. With further gratitude, we welcome this opportunity tonight for provincial stakeholders to interact with the Board of SABC on issues pertaining to public broadcasting.

Indeed, one of the critical issues we raised last year pertained to the considerable consternation and disruption in our communities as a result of the decision to close down BOP TV.

However, we were of the firm view, as we still hold that view now, that the old was dying and thereby giving way to the new and that the new broadcast landscape, as championed by the SABC and regulated by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), would naturally take care of the concerns subsequent to that decision.

We further await ICASA and the SABC to enlighten us about the outcomes of these and all the other consultative processes undertaken across the country. In particular, we await the decision pertaining to Community Radio Stations, including Mafikeng, as well as any transfer of broadcasting equipment to these communities with a keen interest.

Chairperson today is not the day for me to moan. I therefore take this opportunity to tell you and the Board that we are heartened to note that the SABC is determined to bring to an end the urban bias that continues to bedevil the content of most television and mainstream media.

We are most grateful that the SABC has chosen to reflect the daily experiences, the joys, trials and tribulations of the rural masses that make up the majority of South African citizens.

Tonight we are further pleased to have an opportunity to interact with you and the Board. We will only use this opportunity to exhort the SABC not to join a growing chorus in our country that seeks daily to denigrate, ridicule and trivialise everybody and everything that contributes towards the fundamental transformation of our society.

Is it too much, we ask only, to rely on our national broadcaster to reflect programmes in our communities that result in them receiving information that empowers them to seize the opportunities brought by the democratic dispensation? We think it is not.

While we strongly support the corporation’s efforts at building a public broadcaster whose editorial policy is impartial and promotes national reconciliation and nation building, we are undeterred in our belief in an independent, robust and vibrant media. We are more than confident the SABC will not fail in this regard.

Chairperson, it is indeed a great honour to host you and your entourage once again in our shores. On behalf of the North West Provincial Government and the people of this province, I welcome you and the Members of the Board. May our popular hospitality and good humour make all of you feel at home in our platinum province.

You are indeed most welcome.

I thank you.

Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
6 April 2005