Mthethwa dissolves SA languages board

“I have dissolved the board of PanSALB with immediate effect. The development of our languages and the promotion of multilingualism in South Africa need to be accelerated. The year 2016 must produce tangible results, let us start on a clean slate and act decisively on challenges affecting PanSALB,” Mthethwa said in a statement.

The PanSALB is responsible for the promotion and development of the country’s languages, including South African Sign Language.

Mthethwa said there was a lack of common understanding between the department and the board as to what the strategic role of the board should be, and that the board’s understanding of its role and responsibilities was inconsistent with the legislative mandate provided by the PanSALB Act and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

“The board had difficulties in understanding or aligning to the frameworks governing the relationship between the executive authority and the board which impacted on the budget vote. It also did not act prudently with regard to employer and employee relations, which made PanSALB vulnerable to legal claims and compliance requirements with certain statutory obligations.”

Furthermore, the board failed to demonstrate sufficient leadership throughout its term, despite certain interventions from the department and the Portfolio Committee on Arts and Culture, said Mthethwa.

The National Heritage Council (NHC) board has been appointed to steer the PanSALB and to ensure the development of a turnaround strategy and its implementation.

“The turnaround strategy will seek to alleviate cash flow problems, to ensure a conducive environment for productivity and the fulfilment of the objects of PanSALB. Further measures will be taken during the course of the year to ensure stability at PanSALB,” Mthethwa said.

ANA

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