SABC chairwoman Ellen Tshabalala received a tongue-lashing from MPs on Tuesday for trying to “delay” an inquiry into whether she lied about her qualifications.<\/p>\n
Tensions rose when Tshabalala’s advocate Norman Arendse asked Parliament’s communications portfolio committee for a postponement to prepare his client’s defence, as he was only briefed on Monday.<\/p>\n
MPs from across the political spectrum reacted with anger, saying Tshabalala had been asked several months ago to furnish Parliament with copies of her qualifications and to brief her lawyers.<\/p>\n
“There’s one thing we want. If you have those qualifications, why must we postpone to another day,” said ANC MP Maesela Kekana.<\/p>\n
“We are tired of these people who make this beautiful republic to be a banana republic.”<\/p>\n
Economic Freedom Fighters MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi agreed, accusing Tshabalala of not taking Parliament seriously and trying to “trick MPs into delaying tactics”.<\/p>\n
“We are inquiring a simple thing. Do you or do you not have the qualifications?” Ndlozi asked.<\/p>\n
“Don’t waste our time. Answer the question.”<\/p>\n
The committee was adjourned so that the request could be discussed behind closed doors.<\/p>\n
Tshabalala faces two charges. She is alleged to be guilty of misconduct in terms of the Broadcasting Act for misrepresenting and\/or lying about her qualifications in her curriculum vitae.<\/p>\n
She is also accused of lying under oath when she stated her qualifications were stolen during a burglary.<\/p>\n
Tshabala stated in her CV that she had a BCom degree from the University of South Africa (Unisa).<\/p>\n
She also claimed to hold a post-graduate degree in labour relations.<\/p>\n
Unisa has since stated that its records reflect she has neither of the qualifications.<\/p>\n
A Unisa representative was present at Tuesday’s inquiry, and will likely testify during proceedings.<\/p>\n
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