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Condemnation for dismissal of seven SABC journalists

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The Organisation Against Tax Abuse (OUTA) strongly condemns the dismissal of seven SABC journalists and again calls for an urgent investigation by the Minister of Communication into the conduct of leadership at the public broadcaster. The organisation also wants operations at the broadcaster investigated.

“The recent dismissal of the SABC journalists is a very serious matter as freedom of speech, including the ability to question significant changes to the Public Broadcaster’s policy, is a key value within our constitution. By dismissing these journalists, the SABC’s autocratic leadership will simply engender more fear and cause less inclusiveness to critical internal discussion and debate. This is required to build a robust and meaningful public broadcaster that serves the best interests of the citizens of South Africa” says Wayne Duvenage, Chairman of OUTA.

The SABC is being treated as Hlaudi Motsoeneng’s private company to do with as he pleases through a dictatorial style of leadership, and is a matter which cannot go unchallenged. OUTA therefore calls on parliament to urgently step in and halt this unacceptable behaviour, as South Africa’s democracy is at stake.

In addition to this worrying situation of ridding the SABC with people who question management’s decisions, which ultimately weakens any organisation, OUTA is concerned about the SABC’s financial status. “We want to know why the SABC has placed its treasurer, Arrie Thomas and chief financial controller Petra Campher, on ‘special leave’ after they had warned the organisation was facing severe financial problems and will be out of cash by November 2016, failing some degree of external intervention”.

The public are getting sick and tired of taxpayers money being used to bail out state owned entities, more so when they are poorly managed with questionable governance track records. This is money that could be used to address our nation’s pressing poverty issues and job creation.

Unless the situation at the SABC changes, OUTA will consider formulating a strategy to challenge the status quo.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.