Simon Tebele made the decision to dismiss SABC journalists - Solidarity

Gives vague reasons why he is not liable 

Trade union Solidarity said today that it had received affidavits from the SABC’s Sebolelo Ditlhakanyane and Simon Tebele late on Tuesday evening, minutes before the deadline was due to expire. This follows after the Labour Court issued a court order on 26 July 2016 that within five days, these two SABC managers had to give reasons as to why they should not be held personally liable for the legal costs of Solidarity and the four SABC employees in their case against the SABC. 

According to Anton van der Bijl, head of Solidarity’s Centre for Fair Labour Practices, it is stated in the affidavits that Simon Tebele made the decision to dismiss the journalists but no clear explanation is given as to why the decision was made in the first place. “Instead of putting direct and pertinent evidence before court, the sworn affidavits only contain very vague assertions. The court’s order is clear: Reasons must be given as to why the decision to proceed with the dismissal of journalists in the face of pending litigation does not amount to reckless contempt of the court and its procedures,” Van der Bijl explained.

According to Van der Bijl, the SABC’s former acting CEO Jimmy Matthews is furthermore proffered as scapegoat for the initial suspension of three of the journalists. “It is regrettable that the individuals decided not to confide in the courts and the public by giving pertinent reasons for the decision to dismiss the journalists while an investigation was pending,” Van der Bijl said.

“Solidarity will continue with its application before the court to hold the responsible officials liable for every cent that was spent on an unnecessary court case,” Van der Bijl explained.      

Statement issued by Anton van der Bijl, Head: Solidarity’s Centre for Fair Labour Practices, 3 August 2016