According to a joint statement released on Tuesday (1 April) after a meeting between Cosatu and the ANC, there “was a need for a further meeting to discuss possible options on how best the SABC matter could be handled”. This follows a report to the meeting that Cosatu was preparing to take “the matter about the representivity of the SABC board to court”.
Cosatu spokesperson Patrick Craven says the fact that the ANC and Cosatu plan to discuss the matter in a follow-up meeting does not mean Cosatu is putting its plans to take legal action on hold.
“We understand there was a suggestion from the ANC to look at ways to resolve the matter (without taking legal action).
“We have agreed to discuss it further.
“Obviously, if we could find a satisfactory solution without going to court, it would be in everyone’s best interest.
“(But) we are still proceeding (with our plans),” he told TheMediaOnline.
Craven says legal opinion shows Cosatu would be able to challenge the composition of the SABC board on the basis that it is not “truly reflective of South African society”, particularly of trade unions. It would also be able to challenge the process followed in appointing the board.
He says it is not known when the meeting between Cosatu and the ANC on the SABC board matter will take place.
