Parliament’s ad hoc committee inquiring into the affairs of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on Thursday turned down a request by the United Democratic Movement (UDM) that Hlaudi Motsoeneng be called to testify in the inquiry.

UDM MP Nqabayomzi Kwankwa made the official request, telling MPs they could be accused of bias if they did not allow Motsoeneng, which a court ruled was not fit to hold his position as chief executive: corporate affairs, to testify.

Kwankwa said he should testify since almost all witnesses implicated him in the creation of an environment of fear and intimidation at the broadcaster, and the purging of staff, among others.

“As Parliament we have to ensure fair play in action,” he said.

But, other MPs were against the move, with the ANC’s Jabu Mahlangu saying the inquiry was never about individuals but rather fixing the problems at the SABC.

“Mr Motsoeneng in essence is a man on the street for now…this hearing was about the SABC board and not about indivdiduals.”

Other MPs agreed. The Economic Freedom Fighters’ Fana Mokoena said if Motsoeneng was allowed to be called, then all those negatively impacted in witness testimony, including the Gupta family, should be called, which could delay the committee by years.

“The mandate of the inquiry is not to clear people’s names,” said Mokoena.