Workers want action on Madonsela's SABC findings: unions

Two labour unions representing South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) staff  have broken their silence on the Public Protector’s report on the institution’s crisis and are demanding action by Communications Minister Yunus Carrim.

In a joint statement Friday, the Communication Workers Union (CWU) and the Broadcast, Electronic Media and Allied Workers Union (BEMAWU) demanded the minister quickly order a proper investigation into the allegations made in the findings of the Public Protector’s report on the public broadcaster.

The two unions called on the SABC board to swiftly suspend all executives implicated in maladministration and power abuse, saying their continued stay at the helm of the public broadcaster may result in them tampering with crucial evidence.

The absence of a Chief Executive Officer, outstandingbonus payments for middle management staff, and endless repeats of broadcasts  are some of the problems outlined by the unions.

The unions have also called for further investigation and decisive action against board members who are implicated in the report’s findings.

SABC Acting Chief Operations Officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng has been the focal point of the findings, with his academic qualifications taking a lead in the scrutiny of his competency to keep his job.  

With the exception of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), in the past weeks, the ANC and its alliance partners have criticised the Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, expressing unhappiness with the manner in which she handles investigations. The ANC Youth League has also  come to the defence of Motsoeneng  who was declared a  fraud in the report.

As the Public Protector’s report on the Nkandla upgrade is also due to be released on Wednesday this week, tensions between some leaders within the tripartite alliance and the office of the Public Protector have increased, with some leaders questioning the powers of the office and the extent to which the government is compelled to act on its findings.

Carrim promised to provide an update on the consultation process with stakeholders regarding the report, before the end of March.