Johannesburg - Trade union Solidarity has threatened to take legal acton against the SABC if it doesn't reinstate three of its suspended journalists.
In a letter addressed to the public broadcaster, the union said on Tuesday it had given the organisation until Thursday to act comply with its demands.
The call follows the suspension of SABC journalists Foeta Krige, Suna Venter and Thandeka Gqubule last week.
This was after they refused to abide by the call from SABC chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng not to cover the destruction of public property during protests.
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Solidarity is representing Krige and Venter, while Gqubele has her own legal team.
Solidarity CEO Dirk Hermann said the suspension infringed on the workers’ right to freedom of speech.
“The suspension is also a setback for the public’s right of access to information as three suspended journalists cannot fulfil their duties as journalists of the SABC which, as a public broadcaster, has the mandate to convey information to the public,” said Herman.
The union has demanded that the instruction not to broadcast the destruction of public property during protests to be lifted, as it requires journalists to exercise censorship.
LABOUR BUREAU