SABC case: Solidarity will not rest until those responsible have paid every cent

25 August 2016

The trade union Solidarity today requested the court to set down the argument as to whom should be held accountable for the costs of the SABC case. This application was brought in terms of the court order on 26 July 2016 by Justice Lagrange, who ordered that any party could apply to the court to determine accountability after 20 days following the verdict.

According to Anton van der Bijl, Head of Solidarity’s Centre for Fair Labour Practices, the original statement submitted by the SABC officials as to why they should not be held accountable for the costs, contained only vague allegations. “The SABC did not put any evidence before the court as to who should be held accountable for the legal costs of Solidarity and the SABC 8,” Van der Bijl said.

“We approached the court to give a formal decision as to who should be held accountable for the unnecessary costs squandered on this case. We cannot and will not leave the matter here, and the persons who took the decision and who were part of the decision to dismiss the individuals must pay every cent of these costs. The taxpayer simply cannot be held accountable for the SABC’s unlawful actions,” Van der Bijl explained.

Accordingly, the court will determine a date for the matter to be heard.

Issued by Anton van der Bijl, Head: Solidarity’s Centre for Fair Labour Practices, 25 August 2016