Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Communication minister Yunus Carrim want to update parliament on corruption and criminal investigations at the SABC in a closed briefing.

Communication minister Yunus Carrim wants to update parliament's portfolio committee on communications on the corruption uncovered at the SABC and what has happened with criminal investigations and prosecutions related to the SABC in a secret briefing behind closed doors.

Yunis Carrim wants to keep the briefing confidential.

Opposition parties are demanding that it be an open briefing so that the public can hear about the SABC's R19,5 million criminal investigation into the South African public broadcaster's own behaviour.

Earlier this year, the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) submitted a report to president Jacob Zuma on multitude allegations of corruption at the SABC which allegedly took place between 2005 and 2009.

The report which has not been handed to parliament, could see former and current SABC employees be charged with criminal charges as well as civil claims.

"Our legal advice is that the information that is asked is by its nature confidential and may not be disclosed," said Yunus Carrim.

Opposition parties say they will boycott any briefing if its held behind closed door and if its done in secret.

"Minister Yunus Carrim should be as frank as possible on the years-long investigation without infringing on the legal rights of those not yet criminally charged," says the DA in a statement.

"Anything else will be deemed to be a cover-up or lethargy on the part of the SIU and the SABC to adequately deal with the wide-ranging corruption that brought the SABC to its knees four years ago."

"In order to root out corruption at the public broadcaster, it is necessary that the appropriate action is taken against any and all employees guilty of corrupt activities. A frank discussion in an open committee is the surest way to go."