The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Board says it takes seriously the grievances lodged by Group Executive for News and Current Affairs Phathiswa Magopeni against chairperson Bongumusa Makhathini and Group Chief Executive Officer Madoda Mxakwe.
The Board says the matter is being processed fairly and in accordance with SABC policies.
This comes after Magopeni was reportedly charged by the public broadcaster for alleged negligence and bringing the public broadcaster into disrepute.
It relates to the airing of a Special Assignment episode, which the SABC had been interdicted from broadcasting.
Last week, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) called on the SABC to ensure a fair and transparent disciplinary process.
SANEF said these developments come on the back of political pressure and attacks on Magopeni from the ANC, which accuses her of being the cause of the governing party’s poor electoral performance in the recent Local Government Elections.
SANEF’s deputy chairperson Adriaan Basson said, “We don’t deny that the SABC has to take action against the Special Assignment matter but we do find it curious that this comes just a few days after very blatant and misplaced attacks by politicians like Fikile Mbalula on Phathiswa in regards to how the SABC has covered the elections and in light of potential political interference at the public broadcaster. We are asking the SABC to open up Phathiswa Magopeni’s disciplinary hearing to the public so we as the media can follow it and ensure that nothing untoward is happening in this case.”
