The ANC parliamentary caucus on Friday welcomed a unanimous decision by the portfolio committee on communications to dissolve the board of the SABC.

"It has always been our view that, in the interest of this important national asset and the people of South Africa, an urgent intervention was necessary to cure the SABC of its current deep-rooted problems," a statement from the party said.

"Caucus commends the portfolio committee for the diligent manner in which it has dealt with this difficult task."

In a report to be handed to Parliament, the committee said the SABC was "dysfunctional" and no longer able to fulfil its statutory duties.

"The committee unanimously recommends that the National Assembly adopts a resolution recommending to the appointing authority the dissolution of the SABC board," the report said.

The SABC, which reported a financial loss of R839-million for the 2008/09 financial year, had asked the government for a R2-billion bailout.

The report said losses at the broadcaster in the past year were due to declining revenue and "unrestrained over-expenditure".

Tensions between some members of the SABC's executive management and board had contributed "to a virtual breakdown in their relationships".

There was evidence of serious lapses in sound operational management of the SABC by the executive management that warranted further urgent attention by the shareholder, the report said.

The National Assembly will have to pass the committee's recommendations before handing them to President Jacob Zuma for his approval. Parliament will then be able to select an interim board for the broadcaster.

AFP

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