The Star reports that according to the Broadcasting, Electronic, Media and Allied Workers’ Union (Bemawu), the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is not in the financial quagmire it claims to be in.  

This was said after it was revealed that the broadcaster’s acting group chief executive, Nomsa Philiso, received a R877,000 bonus.  Bemawu’s Hannes du Buisson commented:  “We find it shocking that that kind of amount is paid out, especially at this point.  It shows that the SABC is in a much better financial position than everyone has been told.”  He said the bonus made them question the SABC’s real financial status.  This came at a time when the union is embroiled in labour negotiations for the broadcaster’s workers to receive a 10% salary increase.  Talks collapsed last week and the dispute has been referred to the CCMA.  The union said it was appalled by the broadcaster’s ability to pay one employee a huge bonus but was reluctant to give the rest of the staff an annual salary increase.

• Read this report by Mary Jane Mphahlele in full at IOL News

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