#SABC4 blocked from entering workplace

193 26/07/16 The court ruled on Tuesday morning that their dismissals for questioning the SABC's censorship policy was unlawful and that the four employees Foeta Krige, Suna Venter, Jacques Steenkamp and Krivani Pillayshould return to work with immediate effect. Picture:Nokuthula Mbatha

193 26/07/16 The court ruled on Tuesday morning that their dismissals for questioning the SABC's censorship policy was unlawful and that the four employees Foeta Krige, Suna Venter, Jacques Steenkamp and Krivani Pillayshould return to work with immediate effect. Picture:Nokuthula Mbatha

Published Jul 27, 2016

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Johannesburg - The four SABC journalists who were reinstated by the Labour Court after a legal battle arrived at work in high spirits only to be refused entry into the building.

Jacques Steenkamp, Suna Venter, Krivani Pillay and Foeta Krige were ready to resume their duties and responsibilities as the court had ordered, but they found themselves blocked from entering their place of work.

On Wednesday morning they stood at the parking lot of the SABC after Human Resources personnel allegedly told them that they were not allowed to work.

Dirk Hermann, spokesman of trade union Solidarity who took the journalists' case to court after they were fired last Monday, said they were disappointed in the SABC's actions and what they did was clearly a contempt of court.

On Tuesday, the SABC was ordered to reinstate the four in a scathing judgment delivered by Judge Andre van Niekerk.

The court said the termination of their employment last week was unlawful.

The SABC has also been interdicted from continuing with any related disciplinary proceedings against the four.

Their managers have also been ordered to tell the court within five days why they should not be held personally liable for the legal costs of the journalists.

On Wednesday, Hermann said that Steenkamp, Krige, Pillay and Venter do not have access cards, as the SABC had long taken them. Therefore, when they arrived at work on Wednesday morning, they waited outside.

“They were there for an hour, waiting to get it and the HR people finally came down and told them they were not allowed in. When they asked the HR people whether they were not allowed to do their job, the answer was 'NO',” Hermann said.

With nowhere to go, the journalists hung around the parking lot, not knowing what to do. They later chatted to some colleagues who came down to speak to them. They also hugged them.

Later, they got into their vehicles and went home.

Hermann said that the SABC had informed the four journalists it will appeal the Labour Court ruling.

He said they had received letters from the SABC telling them not to return to work.

“All four journalists received letters from the SABC lawyers telling them to not go to work today [Wednesday] as the employer is appealing the Labour Court decision.”

Hermann said they were going to file an urgent application at the Labour Court on Tuesday afternoon compelling the SABC to enforce Tuesday's order.

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The Star and African News Agency

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