Gungubele has conducted a number of media interviews in recent days in which he has slammed the minister, a senior Democratic Alliance MP, over his decision to withdraw the bill - a move that has been widely welcomed by the broadcasting industry and civil society groups.
Gungublele lashed out at Malatsi following the bill's withdrawal, arguing that although finding a sustainable financial model for the public broadcaster is important, Malatsi should have used parliamentary procedures to amend the bill instead of withdrawing it completely. The bill was introduced by Gungubele when he was still minister of communications.
"The relationship between the deputy minister and me is still workable," Malatsi told TechCentral in an interview in Cape Town this week.
"There will be moments where you see things differently and those moments are natural. It has happened before, even with people that come from the same party. The most important thing is, nothing is beyond persuasion."
Malatsi emphasised that he and Gungubele are still on speaking terms, adding that 'sometimes relationships grow stronger when those involved find ways to navigate differences".
