“As far as I’m concerned, I’ll be reporting for duty on Monday.”
These were the words of embattled former editor of The Citizen newspaper, Steve Motale, who was dismissed in November last year. On 27 January, Motale said the Labour Court had cleared him and set aside his dismissal, which he said was unlawful.
He tweeted:
I've just been vindicated by Labour Court. My unlawful dismissal has been set aside. Thanks to all who supported me. The struggle continues
— Steve Motale (@SteveMotale) January 27, 2017
Motale said during the telephonic interview that he was ready to report for duty on 30 January. But he said his legal team and the employer’s lawyers were still in talks, ‘sorting out a few things’. As far as he was concerned, the judgment meant that he must be reinstated.
Motale previously took his employers to the Labour Court, claiming to have been dismissed without a hearing. Before his dismissal, he was suspended and, according to a statement released by The Citizen, he was suspended pending an internal disciplinary process.
A few days before his dismissal, the Forum of Journalists for Transformation, the Communication Workers Union and other interest groups marched to The Citizen’s offices, with Motale’s reinstatement being top on the list of their demands. The Labour Court ruling has been welcomed by his supporters, with most of them sending their messages of congratulations while others used the opportunity to vent their anger at Motale’s employers.
Below are some of the tweets:
The Labour Court found that claims of a hearing against @SteveMotale were a figment of @EurekaZandberg & @TheCitizen_News's imagination. pic.twitter.com/riUekyZaBk
— Mr Putin (@pietrampedi) January 27, 2017
Cornered in court, & afraid of exposing itself, @TheCitizen_News claimed it fired @SteveMotale over Hlaudi M's stories, NOT Trevor Manuel's. pic.twitter.com/m0BeaaAisA
— Mr Putin (@pietrampedi) January 27, 2017
https://twitter.com/GossSgafc/status/824925627547602944
https://twitter.com/BCebo/status/824935405636165633
@SteveMotale has just won his case of unlawful dismissal against @TheCitizen_News. HALALA. Details a little later
— Pinky Khoabane (@pinkykhoabane) January 27, 2017
https://twitter.com/KGBBlackPower/status/824937718559948801
Indeed, Congratulations are order to StephenMotale! Shame on @SAEditorsForum for their silence!
— Tshepo Kgadima (@tshepo_kgadima) January 27, 2017
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The Citizen is still to comment on the matter.
