Johannesburg - Four SABC journalists were expected to hear on Monday whether the Labour Court will set aside their dismissals as the national broadcaster continues to deny dissent among its ranks.
Foeta Krige, Suna Venter, Krivani Pillay and Jacques Steenkamp approached the court on Friday to obtain an interdict setting aside their dismissals.
The four are part of a team of eight who have challenged the broadcaster’s controversial editorial policies, particularly a ban on airing footage of violent protests. The ban has been compared to self-censorship.
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) last week ordered the broadcaster to rescind the protest ban.
After initial disagreement with Icasa’s order, the broadcaster and its chief operating officer, Hlaudi Motsoeneng, have reversed its decision not to air protest footage.
Solidarity, which is representing the eight SABC journalists, said Judge Rob la Grange was due to indicate on Monday morning if he will provide judgment on Monday or Tuesday.
Solidarity chief executive Dirk Hermann said the union was confident it had managed to convince the court that the dismissal of the four was unlawful and in breach of legislation.
“We are convinced that our members will soon be back at work to serve the public by providing information to them,” Hermann said.
An apparent silent protest by SABC TV news staff on Friday was denied by the broadcaster’s spokesman, Kaizer Kganyago. Numerous journalists appeared on television on Friday wearing all black, allegedly in solidarity with their colleagues who were dismissed or face dismissal.
Kganyago said this weekend that wearing black was not a form of protest. “If people wake up and wear black, it’s not a protest.”
The silent protest was apparently planned to avoid leaving a trail and potentially leading to more dismissals.