The Citizen reports that former SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) chief operation officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng told the commission of inquiry into state capture that the suspension of a group of journalists known as the SABC 8, who were subsequently fired from the public broadcaster, had nothing to do with their refusal and failure to adhere to a decision he had taken to ban the broadcasting of violent and destructive protests.  

The name was given to a group of eight journalists in 2016 when they spoke out against what they called “censorship” under the leadership of Motsoeneng.  Four of the journalists recently testified before commission, chaired by Judge Raymond Zondo.  Motsoeneng told the commission on Wednesday that there were no consequences for journalists who failed to adhere to his decision.  “If people differ with you there can’t be consequences, it is normal for people to differ with you,” Motsoeneng said, adding that it would be incorrect to get rid of people who had dissenting views.  He claimed the disciplinary procedures instituted against the SABC 8 were because they had brought the public broadcaster into disrepute by speaking to the media, which was prohibited by the corporation’s policy.  Motsoeneng further denied being involved in their suspension.  Zondo however, noted that the suspension letters made it clear that the suspension of the SABC 8 was due to their failure or refusal to comply with the instruction to ban the broadcasting of violent or destructive protests.

• Read the full original of the above report by Makhosandile Zulu at The Citizen
• Read too, Hlaudi Motsoeneng defends controversial SABC ‘censorship policy’, at BusinessLive

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page