CWU to strike at SABC, demands layoffs end



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The CWU sent a notice to SABC Group CEO Madoda Mxakwe on Wednesday, saying it will embark on a protected strike that will cover, but not be limited to, all workers hired in terms of employment at SABC.

The SABC office block in Aukland Park. Image: Tshepo Lesole / Eyewitness News

JOHANNESBURG – SABC staff affiliated with the Communication Workers Union (CWU) will go on strike this Friday over the proposed cuts in the public broadcaster.

The CWU sent a notice to SABC Group CEO Madoda Mxakwe on Wednesday, saying it will embark on a protected strike that will cover, but not be limited to, all workers hired in terms of employment at SABC.

The notice included a list of demands highlighting the following:

(a) Immediately withdraw all dismissal notices that were issued to workers.
(b) Abandon the reduction process entirely.
(c) We give the employer 24 hours to respond positively to the demands.

Earlier Wednesday, the public broadcaster’s head of human resources, Mojaki Mosia, sent a statement to workers saying that the Section 189 process “continues as planned.”

On Tuesday, SABC employees addressed their management in a meeting. An emotional Chriselda Lewis, a SABC journalist and news anchor, called against the layoffs.



Meanwhile, the SABC board is said to be divided over whether the entity should go ahead with the planned cuts.

Five of the station’s 11 board members are understood to be against the impending job cuts.

The minority group feels the layoffs will not benefit the public broadcaster and could stifle efforts aimed at ensuring that SABC does not degenerate into an on-air blackout.

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