Broadcasting union to challenge dismissal of SABC journalists

Broadcasting‚ Electronic‚ Media and Allied Workers Union (BEMAWU)‚ the union representing two of the SABC employees who were dismissed on Tuesday‚ says it will challenge the matter in the Labour Court.

BEMAWU members Busisiwe Ntuli and Lukhanyo Calata were dismissed on Tuesday morning.

“I can confirm that I have been fired. I can’t comment on what is going to happen after this‚” Calata told TMG Digital.

BEMAWU representative Hannes du Buisson said‚ “We are currently in talks with our lawyers to bring an urgent application in the Labour Court to overturn the dismissals until the Constitutional Court matter has been finalised”.

Vuyo Mvoko‚ one of the “SABC 8” who have reportedly been fired‚ told TMG Digital on Tuesday that he has not yet received a dismissal letter from the company.

SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago could not be reached for comment.

Eight SABC journalists were targeted after they expressed concern over events at the SABC‚ including not screening visuals of violent protests.

Amnesty International has described the dismissal of these journalists as a “ cynical and sinister ploy to entrench fear”.

“The dismissal of eight South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) journalists following their suspension over their questioning of editorial decisions by the broadcaster’s executives is a cynical and sinister decision designed to entrench a climate of fear at the institution‚” said Muleya Mwananyanda‚ Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Southern Africa.

“Their dismissals will only serve to undermine journalistic and media freedoms at the SABC. The eight journalists must be re-instated immediately.

 “South Africa’s media freedom was hard won and it shouldn’t be gambled with.”