Some permanent workers at the SABC in Polokwane resorted to lunch-time picketing in protest the retrenchment letters they recently received from the public broadcaster.
This, however, escalated into a full-blown protest on Friday afternoon despite a hold on the retrenchment processes for seven days. As part of a financial recovery plan, the SABC served retrenchment letters to more than 400 workers across the country.
During the week, the workers took to emptying dustbins in the street in front of the SABC, demanding that management engage with them for a better solution. During the protest on Friday, Hospital Street was closed between Landdros Maré and Schoeman streets. Traffic officers and the police were on the scene to control the situation.
Amos Mofokeng from the Communication Workers Union says the public broadcaster plans on removing most if not all permanent workers, accommodating them only as freelancers. This includes presenters, producers and technical producers.
Mofokeng says besides a hold on the process for seven days they will not stop protesting because the SABC wants to weaken their voice. “We will continue to protest until our voices are heard.”
Story: Umpha Manenzhe
