The departure of John Perlman and co-anchor Nikiwe Bikitsha, right, from SAfm is regrettable and disturbing.

The departure of John Perlman and co-anchor Nikiwe Bikitsha, right, from SAfm is regrettable and disturbing.

Their resignations bring to an end one of the most compatible presenter teams the SABC had on radio.

If allegations that the duo's departure is a result of the blacklisting saga, then it's a sad day for journalism. Perlman and Bikitsha will be remembered by radio listeners as gallant fighters for freedom of expression and journalistic independence.

I am sure both of them will be better utilised by other media houses and their talent won't go to waste.

A mammoth task awaits the SABC: how will they fill their shoes? We anxiously await their replacements.

We were confronted with the same situation when Given Mkhari left Metro a few months ago.

A suitable replacement has still not been found.

We cannot afford to lose brilliant presenters because some people think the newsroom is a military camp. The sooner it is stopped the better, especially since the SABC doesn't seem to have a pool of current affairs programme drivers.

Phaladi Seakgwe, Tshwane