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SABC says it is ready to implement the Section 189 processes, after lengthy consultations with stakeholders, with other cost-saving measures also in the works.
The public broadcaster said that despite receiving several proposals, it has become clear that job cuts will be necessary. 400 jobs will be affected, compared to the 600 originally planned at the beginning of the process.
“SABC is fully aware of the fact that this process will affect people’s livelihoods and, furthermore, will have a ripple effect on their families and communities. However, having exhausted all other options, we now face the difficult task of having to restructure the organization to ensure its sustainability, ”he said.
The broadcaster said it held 16 consultative sessions over 4 months with multiple stakeholders, exceeding the legal minimum requirement of four meetings over 2 months.
“SABC has considered all options to minimize the total number of affected employees. As such, we have been able to reduce the total number of people affected to approximately 400, which is significantly less than the originally projected figure of 600.
“Additionally, there are approximately 170 job openings that will be available for employees to apply, providing the potential to further reduce the number of affected employees to 230.
“In addition, there are 97 positions the organization has identified to be part of a section 197 business process outsourcing (BPO) initiative. All affected employees will be offered a severance package of one week for each year of full service, ”he said.
In addition to the job cuts, he said that he will also implement and consider other cost reduction alternatives such as:
- Freeze salary increases for three years;
- Reduce employee leave days from 35 calendar days to 28 days;
- Suspend the collection of days of leave; Y
- Reduce sick leave from 30 days per year to reflect 36 days in a three-year cycle aligned with the Basic Employment Conditions Act.
SABC Group CEO Madoda Mxakwe said that while the decision to cut jobs was not an easy one, it is necessary for SABC’s long-term sustainability.
“An insolvent SABC serves no one, not our employees or our citizens who depend on the SABC for transparent, fair and ethical public broadcasting services. This reduction is understandably very challenging for all of our stakeholders.
“However, it is a part of our approved restructuring plan that will help reposition the SABC to achieve financial sustainability. Addressing SABC’s huge cost base, coupled with recently announced new revenue deals, will ensure that the public broadcaster can successfully execute its mandate to serve the people of South Africa for decades to come, ”said Mxakwe.
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