Johannesburg - On Wednesday afternoon Right2Know activists were lifted and even dragged out of the foyer at the SABC building where they were picketing.
The six activists had gone to the SABC Radio Park to protest after the public broadcaster barred the four journalists whom the court had reinstated after they were fired last week.
They started chanting 'Journalists in, Hlaudi out' to the amusement of the many people who were there and had not been aware of their presence.
It took the employees some time to realise what was happening and to act. Security guards were called and they removed the defiant activists who did not want to move.
The first person to be removed was the movement's organiser, Micah Reddy. Two security guards held him, one on each side, dragging him on his knees as he refused to move.
The Right to Know activists chanting inside #SABC radio park before being dragged out by security. @ReporterStar pic.twitter.com/Y02sBz5M0x
— Botho Molosankwe (@Mizzyb1) July 27, 2016
However, even as he was being removed, Reddy kept chanting that Hlaudi must go.
Women security guards also battled with the female activists who were intent on staying there or being forcibly removed.
At one point about four women had to carry one activist out. However, this activist gave up so much fight that they had to put her down, catch their breath then resume.
All the activists were then locked in a small room in the building. Police were then called and escorted them out of the building.
From there they stood outside the building where they kept chanting: F*ck censorship, f*ck Hlaudi.”
Reddy said they were protesting because the SABC had barred Jacques Steenkamp, Suna Venter, Foeta Krige and Krivani Pillay from returning to work despite the Labour Court ordering that they go back to work.
“They were barred from returning to their desks and we are here to demand their reinstatement and that Hlaudi must go.
“If anyone must go, it should be Hlaudi. He is inn contempt of court and of the public protector's findings.
He has no legitimacy,” Reddy said.
The Star