By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
SABC head of news Phathiswa Magopeni faces disciplinary action for alleged negligence and for bringing the broadcaster into disrepute after it ran an episode of investigative programme Special Assignment in contravention of a court order.
She has denied wrongdoing, saying the decision to air the show was made by someone four levels below her.
This morning, Magopeni’s disciplinary hearing started at advocate Nazir Cassim’s chambers in Sandton.
The SABC’s lawyer, Michael Bill, said Magopeni was charged with failure to discharge her duties, failure to stop the broadcasting of an interdicted report and bringing the public broadcaster into disrepute.
This after the SABC programme Special Assignment aired an episode in contravention of a court order.
Magopeni alleged that she was being targeted because she resisted attempts by the SABC chair and group CEO to force her to broadcast an unscheduled interview with President Cyril Ramaphosa during the recent local government elections.
Kameshan Moodley, representing Magopeni, said she pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
She said,we are going to give evidence that there were discrepancies in the coding of the episode, and that is not her fault. She’s pleading not guilty.
Her other lawyer, Rui Roxo, said he would like to meet with the SABC representatives and try to reach a resolution.
Roxo said “it was strange” that Magopeni was charged a month after the SABC and an aggrieved company settled their matter.
“Damages is a question of fact. There was no option of damages because the matter had been settled. There’s a settlement agreement signed by both parties and has been made an order of court. This is what we find rather strange. No one was charged for contempt of court, no one was sued for reputational damages so we find it extremely strange how this finds its way here.”
Cassim recommended that the hearing be adjourned for the parties to attempt to resolve the matter outside the hearing.
The parties have failed to agree which has resulted in the disciplinary hearing continuing.
On Monday, Cassim allowed the media to be part of the hearing following an application by the South African National Editors’ Forum and the Campaign for Free Expression.
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Video Courtesy of SABC.