SABC 8 looking forward to implementation of ad hoc committee's recommendations
The SABC 8 say they are looking forward to giving Parliament, the Executive, the SABC interim board and relevant organs of state an opportunity to implement the Ad Hoc committee's recommendations.
President Jacob Zuma appointed the interim SABC board yesterday.
The eight journalists, Thandeka Gqubule, Krivani Pillay, Foeta Krige, Suna Venter, Busisiwe Ntuli, Lukhanyo Calata, Vuyo Mvoko, and Jacques Steenkamp, say they have noted with respect the Constitutional Court's decision to dismiss their case for direct access following their dismissal from the SABC for challenging the new editorial policy.
"The Court did not pronounce on the merits of our application, but instead held that it lacked jurisdiction to deal with it," says the group.
They say they had already reached consensus to withdraw the application following, amongst other developments, the adoption of the ad hoc committee's recommendations by parliament.
They say their attorney had written to the respondents' attorneys to notify them of their intention to withdraw.
"We believe that the Constitutional Court case, and overwhelming public support we received, were the essential reasons for the appointment of the ad hoc committee," they say.
The journalists say they will not rest until their newsroom is once again truly transparent, free and independent.