SABC fires six of the eight suspended employees

The SABC has dismissed six of the eight journalists who allegedly did not adhere to the new controversial editorial policy of the public broadcaster. Solidarity, the union representing the employees have confirmed that Foeta Krige, Suna Venter, Krivani Pillay and Jacques Steenkamp were dismissed on 18 July without any disciplinary action been initiated, with immediate effect and without hearings. Two other journalist, Lukhanyo Calata and Busi Ntuli also received dismissal letters. The fate of the two other journalists is not yet known.

According to a statement released by Solidarity, the dismissal letters state that it is common knowledge that the journalists do 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 is untenable and the employment relationship has been terminated on 18 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 top 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 will meet in the Labour Court in Johannesburg on 21 July when the union will approach the court on an urgent basis to set aside the decision to dismiss the journalists, and also request that the disciplinary process is revoked in its entirety.

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.

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

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