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- According to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), concerns about the closure of its radio stations are unfounded.
- The public broadcaster apologized for the “lack of communication” on the matter.
- In a statement to the media, SABC said the proposed new structures would promote and support the current needs of audiences.
“As things are now and if the situation remains the same, I do not know how we can keep the station on the air from January 1,” said Magdaleen Kruger, manager of the RSG station, live in early January. this week when news broke that the SABC was issuing layoff letters to nearly 10% of its staff.
The cost reduction process which has since stopped for a week, sent shockwaves across the country.
“At RSG, the 5 permanent presenters … all received letters, chilling, cold letters that simply said their service was ending on December 1,” Kruger added on air.
As concerns grew about the future of SABC radio stations, social media was soon inundated with misinformation and rumors.
This has led the SABC to make things clear in a statement to the press, saying; “The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has noted with concern media reports suggesting that the SABC administration is shutting down its radio services.
“The SABC would like to place on record that these reports are not true. The SABC is fully aware that millions of South African citizens trust SABC radio as the most accessible medium of communication. Therefore, it is not sincere to report such misinformation It should be noted that on the contrary, the structures proposed by radio stations are promoting and supporting the current needs of audiences such as digital transformation, ”said Mmoni Seapolelo, interim spokesperson for SABC.
READ ALSO: SABC says its operations will not be affected amid reports of massive job cuts at its radio stations.
Kruger too aired again put out the fires of social networks by clarifying that RSG was not closing its doors. “No, RSG is not going to close or cease to exist,” Kruger said, adding that the station would be negotiating freelance contracts with its presenters affected by the current process.
“Independent contracts are not uncommon,” he stressed, assuring listeners that most of the changes would occur behind the scenes and would not affect the voices heard at RSG.
Seapolelo added; “SABC management would like to apologize for the lack of communication regarding this matter and urges the public to rely solely on official SABC communications. Management would also like to take this opportunity to thank SABC employees who have maintained the platforms in the air during this process. “
According to the latest SABC statement, the public service broadcaster takes its mandate, which is to inform, educate and entertain in all official languages, very seriously and will continue to fulfill this mandate through its radio and television platforms. and digital.
“SABC has implemented growth strategies designed to ensure that its radio stations remain the primary source of information, education and entertainment for the millions of South Africans it is mandated to serve,” Seapolelo said.
READ ALSO: As a dark cloud hangs over the SABC, the station’s audience plummets
