By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former Head of News at the SABC, Phathiswa Magopeni, has expressed her intention to legally challenge her dismissal.
On Friday the SABC announced that Magopeni had been fired with immediate effect.
In December last year, the SABC instituted an open disciplinary process where Magopeni was found guilty of misconduct for failing to prevent the broadcast, airing and publication of an interdicted Special Assignment episode.
Magopeni said there was political meddling and interference by the directors of the broadcaster.
In a media statement, SABC spokesperson Gugu Ntuli said Magopeni was afforded an opportunity to submit mitigating factors and to address aggravating factors identified by the SABC, in line with the rule of natural justice and the audi alteram partem principle of listening to both sides.
“In the absence, Magopeni’s mitigating factors, the SABC concluded that there is a breakdown in the trust relationship between her and the SABC. Consequently, Magopeni’s services have been terminated with immediate effect and she has been informed,” said Ntuli.
However, Magopeni said the entire process was irregular.
Meanwhile South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) said that it was saddened by Magopeni’s axing, further suggesting that the SABC’s decision was politically motivated.
“Magopeni confidently contends that her sacking is directly linked to her refusal to take instructions from her bosses.
“This pattern needs to be condemned because it makes a mockery of labour laws and associated processes. It also leads to a mistrust of our public institutions and denies the public broadcaster their constitutionally protected freedom of media.
“An environment where people can be fired following political interference by the ANC-influenced elections campaign leads to self-censorship and restrains journalists and media workers from the freedom they need to do their job, “non-profit organisation (NPO) said in a statement on Saturday.
Sanef argued that Magopeni has been treated unfairly by the SABC as “they continued to ignore her submissions to their various nefarious intents”.
“The SABC management and board, since making the announcement to charge Magopeni, has carried itself in a questionable manner that has not only been disheartening, but has also put a negative dent on the reputation of the public broadcaster.
“It’s unfortunate that the gains made in recent years since Magopeni assumed the leadership of the news team are now being taken backward, by a management team that wants to see the news division led asunder with clear political influence from the ANC,” it added.
The Head of Media Monitoring Africa William Bird says allegations of political interference at the SABC need to be taken seriously and must be properly investigated.
Bird said it is important that Magopeni’s point of view is also heard.
“It is a very sad that for the SABC and for South Africa. There are certain people that will obviously be rejoicing at the turn of events. I think that is really sad precisely because thanks to Phathiswa, the senior executive team and the Board have been able to restore the credibility and independence of the SABC over the last several years. If you look at where it was in 2016, Phathiswa came in and she has been able to do an incredible job.”