Is this the end of the road for Robert Marawa at SABC?
Seasoned sportscaster Robert Marawa’s career at the SABC may be coming to an end.
Marawa's future is on shaky ground after he went AWOL following his radio producer Beverly Maphanga getting suspended last week.
It is alleged that the public broadcaster has scheduled a meeting with the Metro FM sports anchor this week.
According to a Sunday publication, SABC's group executive for sports Sully Motsweni was not impressed with Marawa's behaviour and has informed senior executives that she plans to summon Marawa to a meeting where she intends to serve him with a letter of termination of his contract for "misconduct".
"They can fire me without having to call me to a meeting if there are substantive grounds to warrant a firing. The tweets were factually correct in explaining what's happening. Which tweet touched them in their studio?" said Marawa
1)My Producer Beverly Maphangwa has been suspended 4 "non-compliance/contravention of contract."The crime? We played audio by Sizwe Mabena.
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) June 15, 2017
Management "views this in a serious light & contemplates terminating" her contract but she can submit a written letter by 28 June to counter
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) June 15, 2017
So what's at issue?? Mr Mabena and Mr Mthethwa are from the "Competitor i.e. MultiChoice" and thus I was wrong to read a message & include..
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) June 15, 2017
I told Management that I will remove myself from the Show because I am the one that actually caused this crime. So I will NOT be on 2nite.
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) June 15, 2017
I respect their decision and will observe on the sidelines what happens.... One day the truth will land on ears, trust me. From me to u. ✌
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) June 15, 2017
Maphanga landed in hot water for playing the audio clip from the broadcaster’s competitor, SuperSport.
The clip was of Sizwe Mabena and was played during Marawa’s Metro FM show.
Following the incident, Marawa went MIA and went on to social media to express his frustration. He tweeted that he "had removed himself from the show".
Marawa added that he would not be on his show because of Maphanga’s suspension.
Radio 702's talk show host, Redi Tlhapi offered Marawa to jump ship:
Come work here. We speak about and quote our so-called "competitors" when it's relevant. No consequences. No egos here. Woza https://t.co/qxA8xO4Qhh
— Redi Tlhabi (@RediTlhabi) June 15, 2017
Marawa received a lot of support:
Where does the SABC get highlights for non televised local and international sport. @robertmarawa I rest my case.
— baba mthethwa (@hothaata) June 15, 2017
Knowing that u r there and supporting us already makes us feel empowered!!
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) June 20, 2017
Bra Rob we are behind you all the way.sizakulandela mhlekazi ,we knew this day will https://t.co/iRNZlmmk6D are brave Sir,i salute you
— @Bongo (@Bongo36899521) June 16, 2017
I thought that Hlaudi left SABC now this
— Msai (@sipho_zn) June 16, 2017
SABC is now really loosing it's value more than b4. This is just Nonsense from Management. How do they treat staff?
— Douglas Moretsi (@DouglasMoretsi) June 15, 2017
We wouldn't be surprised if Marawa decides to join former Metro FM's online radio station:
He's in the house!! @iamtbotouch& @robertmarawa in the building!! 🙌🙌🙌 #TouchHDLaunchParty #AltitudeBar #TouchHDOnline #YouthDay pic.twitter.com/QAoEVCnz4P
— Touch HD (@TouchHDOnline) June 16, 2017