Has SABC shown political editor Dumisani Hlophe the door?

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) announced the appointment of a political editor Dumisani Hlophe in September last year. Reliable sources have now claimed Hlophe may have been shown the door.

The editor was allegedly informed his probation contract would no longer be extended due to his poor performance and he is reportedly on leave.

Hlophe, who has vast experience in political research and content programming fields, was allegedly not equipped for the role.

According to a Sowetan report, sources claim he struggled to cope with the demands of the position from the beginning. The broadcaster has allegedly had talks with Hlophe to inform him of their decision to part ways with him. The SABC has neither confirmed nor denied Hlophe’s exit.

His role included managing and guiding the political team in ensuring a high level of accurate, engaging, and fair political journalism while upholding the values of the broadcaster.

Accepting his role last year, he said he was honoured to be part of a broadcaster that sought to strengthen the country’s democracy. His rumoured exit may be better news for DA MP Phumzile Van Damme, who was clear in her puzzlement of his appointment last year.

In a politicsweb report, she said Hlophe was not a practising journalist as he had more experience in broadcasting and being a political analyst. She said his views were often odd and that he did not inspire confidence.

(Compiled by Gopolang Chawane)

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