Speaker, the ACDP supports the resolution in the interests of the future of the SABC. The dissolution of the board was inevitable after it had become dysfunctional owing to political interference, internal conflict and conflict with management, resulting in the resignation of all but one of the board members. It was clearly unable to fulfil its statutory duties.
Whilst management accused the board of not dealing with problems, board members in turn accused management of working with ANC MPs on the committee to get rid of them. The board and management must therefore take collective responsibility.
The ANC must also take blame, as it continually sought to get rid of the board members of its pro-Mbeki members, resulting in this crisis. The board could never succeed under such circumstances.
The ACDP fully supports the committee's decision to refer the issues of governance and financial mismanagement to the Auditor-General for investigation. In our view, it is in the national interest that the public broadcaster is placed on a sound financial and management footing, and that political interference is stopped. Thank you. [Applause.]