Hlaudi 8 axed

The SABC has dismissed seven of the eight journalists who allegedly did not adhere to the new controversial editorial policy of the public broadcaster.

Solidarity, the union representing some of the employees, confirmed on 18 July that Foeta Krige, Suna Venter, Krivani Pillay and Jacques Steenkamp were dismissed without any disciplinary action been initiated, with immediate effect and without hearings.

The other journalists, Busisiwe Ntuli, Lukhanyo Calata and Thandeka Gqubule were reportedly fired on 19 July. The eighth employee, Vuyo Mvoko was an independent contractor and his contract has not been renewed by the public broadcaster.

According to a statement released by Solidarity, the dismissal letters stated that it was common knowledge that the journalists did not respect the SABC’s management and that they would continue to undermine the broadcaster’s authority and its management. According to the SABC, the journalists’ behaviour was untenable and the employment relationship had been terminated on 18 and 19 July.

“In my 20 years of involvement in labour relations, I have not come across anything like this,” said Solidarity chief executive Dirk Hermann.

“It can be likened to a kangaroo court that executes an accused while an appeal process is still pending. In this instance, legal processes are being disregarded. It is as if the SABC’s executives believe that they are above the law and that it would be of no consequence.”

He added that battle lines have been clearly drawn and the union was going to involve the best lawyers available. “We believe in the rule of law and that unlawfulness should have consequences. We will take the matter even further by asking for an order as to costs against Hlaudi Motsoeneng in his personal capacity.”

Solidarity and the SABC were in the Labour Court on 21 July. The union approached the court on an urgent basis to set aside the decision to dismiss the journalists, and also request that the disciplinary process was revoked in its entirety.

Lawyers representing the SABC were granted a postponement to finalise the public broadcaster’s answering affidavits.

Meanwhile, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) has reiterated its decision that the SABC must withdraw its decision to not broadcast footage of destruction of public property during protests.

The public broadcaster has agreed to abide by Icasa’s ruling which is a different tune than what was pronounced by the SABC previously.

Chief operations officer of the SABC, Hlaudi Motsoeneng had stated that they were willing to fight Icasa’s order in the highest court in the land.