The SABC says measures are in place to ensure it continues providing on-air television and radio programmes amid the workers strike.
The SABC claims that out of its 19 radio stations normal programming was affected in only three stations where current affairs shows were not broadcast.
SABC workers went on a nation-wide strike on Thursday morning. They are demanding a 10% salary increase.
The SABC is offering 4.5% backdated to October but only to be paid in 2018.
SABC’s spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago says contingency plans are also in place to ensure the broadcast of the much anticipated 54th African National Congress elective conference which starts on Saturday.
“As far as we are concerned in our planning, we are planning that the conference will not be affected. We had crossings from Nasrec on Morning Live and everything went according to plan.”
However, the Communications Workers Union (CWU), which is leading the strike along with Broadcasting, Electronic, Media & Allied Workers Union (Bemawu) says it’s confident that the impact of the strike by SABC workers will force management to return to the negotiating table.
CWU General Secretary, Aubrey Tshabalala says at one stage Ukhozi Fm, the SABC’s Zulu language station which has 6 million listeners, was not on the air.
“In various regions we acknowledge the fact that there is almost a shut down at the SABC. We have never been positive as we are now. We are convinced that the employer will come to the table and negotiate with us.”
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