SABC board member Fadila Lagadien said in a statement some board members had only received notice at 4pm on Wednesday from Vadi that he was convening an inquiry in terms of section 15(a) of the Broadcasting Act on Thursday and that board members should attend and make representations.

The inquiry was to establish whether in view of the resignations of eight board members the board was still able to carry out its duties.

"Some board members only accessed their emails in the evening," Lagadien said.

Most board members could not rearrange their schedules at such short notice. One board member was ill and two others were overseas.

Board members also needed more time to make proper submissions.

"There are at present 11 non-executive board members, including those who had resigned and are serving their notice period," she said.

SABC company secretary Thelma Melk was requested on Wednesday evening to urgently inform Vadi of the inability of board members to attend.

"This was not done. Board members only discovered it this morning and immediately called the office of the chairperson of the committee and the deputy chairperson subsequently informed him in writing at approximately 12 noon."

Two non-executive board members were attending in their personal capacities.

"Board members are willing to attend such an inquiry and requested [Vadi] to postpone the inquiry until next week in order to provide sufficient time for the board members to attend and make properly considered submissions," Lagadien said.