The Citizen reports that Solidarity confirmed on Sunday that it had received court-ordered affidavits from two SABC managers, Sebolelo Ditlhakanyane and Simon Tebele, explaining why they should not be held personally liable for the costs of four journalists whose sackings were set aside by the Labour Court last month.  

According to the trade union’s Anton van der Bijl, the SABC pair stated in their affidavits that Tebele made the decision to dismiss the four, but no clear explanation was given.  “The sworn affidavits only contain very vague assertions.  The court’s order is clear: reasons must be given as to why the decision to proceed with the dismissal of journalists in the face of pending litigation does not amount to reckless contempt of the court.”  Van der Bijl said former acting SABC CEO Jimi Matthews was furthermore “proffered as a scapegoat” for the initial suspension of three of the journalists.  Van der Bijl said Solidarity would continue with its application before the court to hold the responsible officials liable.

• Read this report in full at The Citizen
• Read too, SABC head of news tries to shift blame for decision to fire seven journalists, at IOL News
• Solidarity’s press statement in this regard is at Solidarity online

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page