Deputy Speaker, firstly, I would like to state with regard to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, Icasa, Council that one of the things that we are aware of is certain skills that are lacking in the council. So, when we conducted the interviews and deliberated on potential names, these were the things that we looked at. There is a lack of skills in the areas of broadcasting, policy and leadership, as well as legal expertise. These five names that have been presented to the House today for approval have these skills. In fact, any of these five candidates would add value to the Icasa Council and would also contribute to strengthening the work of Icasa, and I actually said it could be any of these five candidates.
I want to address something that has been raised here now, and it is the issue that was raised by the hon Kilian and the hon Steyn about apparent political affiliation. I want to say something, and make it very clear to this House and to those that are watching. In the past, this very portfolio committee actually participated in nominating and recommending candidates for other entities, which fall under the Department of Communications. In particular, I want to mention the SABC Board, where opposition members at that time who were in this House were actually nominated. They were actually nominated. [Interjections.] They were opposition members, they were not objected to by the DA, and they took office. I just want to make it clear that it is factually incorrect to say that the two people in question, who they say are political nominees, are being pushed by a certain political party.
It is factually incorrect to come here and say that they have no skills and they would make no contribution whatsoever. In fact, they do possess skills and they would make a contribution. They are not political nominees; they were nominated in their own right and in their own capacity for having the requisite skills to make a contribution to a well-functioning and effective Icasa Council.
I would appeal to the opposition not to use these opportunities to grandstand and try to score political points, but rather to come here to give the actual facts, in this case that all five candidates possess the skills and qualifications. I would appeal to the opposition to change their stance even at this late hour. Thank you very much. [Applause.]