More SABC terminations likely as presenter fired live on air

One unfortunate casualty of the latest round of retrenchments and contract terminations brought by the South African Broadcasting Company (SABC) on Monday 19 October was news presenter Palesa Chubisi, who received her letter while she was live on air informing her that her employment was “irregular”.

Like 12 of her fellow colleagues, Chubisi was dismissed following the company’s decision to adhere to Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s finding that employment protocols had been conducted incorrectly. Chubisi was allegedly appointed preferentially ahead of other candidates who were suitably qualified and experienced for the position.

The SABC also said that there would likely be further retrenchments and contract terminations before the end of the year. 

SABC ‘duty-bound’ to follow Public Protector report 

In a statement released on Monday evening, SABC spokesperson Mmoni Seapolelo said that the SABC has a duty to regard the Public Protector’s report with appropriate seriousness. 

“The SABC can confirm that 13 employees were served with letters outlining the corporation’s decision with regard to their circumstances relating to irregular appointments,” he said. “The SABC embarked on an investigation which was concluded in June, 2020, affecting employees who were appointed/promoted and/or received salary adjustments unlawfully and irregularly.”

He added that “the SABC believes these employees benefited through a process which denied other colleagues equitable and fair access to compete for appointments and promotions.”

“It must be noted that the SABC leadership has an obligation to do the right thing and not to condone unethical practices,” he said. 

Staff representatives ‘appalled’  

The SABC said in a communication circular to staff at the state-owned broadcaster that they would now continue with the process of serving similar letters of contract termination to a group of employees they referred to as the “second cohort” before the end of 2020. 

The SABC News Forum, who represent human resources related issues within the company, have been left “appalled” by the decision and have indicated that they will urgently take steps to appeal the terminations and prevent any further such acts. 

“Our view is that the manner in which this presenter was taken off air is inhumane and we believe that we actually thought that this kind of behaviour was a thing of the past,” said the SABC News Forum’s Busisiwe Ntuli.

“We are calling to the SABC to exercise some sort of humanity especially in the context of the Section 189 discussions where people are already worried.”