Dudu Busani

Dudu Busani

SABC employees and union members are in a froth over Snuki Zikalala's reinstatement.

While the Johannesburg high court was hearing an urgent application from the SABC's suspended chief executive Dali Mpofu to have his suspension lifted, an affidavit written by chief operations officer Charlotte Mampane was presented to the court.

Mampane was acting as the representative for seven group executives of the SABC who support Mpofu and are demanding that the SABC board step down. The affidavit is supported by the senior management forum, the Communication Workers' Union and the Broadcasting Electronic Media Allied Workers' Union.

"These bodies and unions represent no less than 70percent of SABC employees," Mampane said.

They raised concerns over the collapse of mediation between Mpofu and the board, and what they call the "Zikalala Matter".

Zikalala was reinstated as the SABC's news chief on Monday after he was suspended by Mpofu two months ago for allegedly leaking confidential company information to the media.

"The SABC uplifted [sic] the lawful suspension of Zikalala but gave him leave of absence for two weeks," said Mampane.

"This was done by the SABC board without enquiring into the truth of the serious allegations made against him.

"The board's conduct is inconsistent and erratic. It is clear that the board treats employees unequally," she said.