Group Executive for SABC Legal Nthuthuzelo Vanara has told the disciplinary hearing into the conduct of News Head Phathiswa Magopeni that there was a concern that the newsroom was being used to fight commercial battles of the corporation.
The disciplinary hearing against Magopeni is under way in Sandton, Johannesburg.
Magopeni has been charged with alleged negligence and bringing the public broadcaster into disrepute. The matter relates to the airing of a Special Assignment episode the SABC had been interdicted from broadcasting.
Magopeni pleaded not guilty to all charges saying she complied with the court and that the decision to air the episode falls outside her jurisdiction.
Vanara says the episode contained an interview with a compromised source.
“Essentially, the complaint brought to my attention was that our colleagues in the newsroom were contemplating publishing a story with a compromised source. We were deposed to an affidavit confirming that he had lied to our colleagues. There was a concern that the newsroom was being utilised to fight commercial battles with the two parties.”
Disciplinary Hearing of SABC News Head Phathiswa Magopeni:
According to the Labour Relations Act, the parties should be allowed to come to an amicable solution before a full proceeding takes place.
Kameshan Moodley, who is part of Magopeni’s legal team, was questioned by the Chair of the hearing Advocate Nazeer Cassim, whether she had knowledge of the court order.
Moodley responded by saying, “She had knowledge of the court order and she actually complied with the court order. The first time that repeat episode played was on the 5th of October. Where the problem comes into play is there was a discrepancy in the coding of the episode. That discrepancy does not fall within her jurisdiction. There was no deliberate breach of the court and we plead not guilty.”
