Sowetan reports that embattled SABC has been ordered to back pay two senior employees in Limpopo for 10 months following a ruling. This after two SABC employees, a current affairs executive producer at Thobela FM and an assignment editor at Munghana Lonene in Polokwane, were overlooked for a post in 2017.
Sello Sam Mochichila and Rudzani Bologo had applied for the post of regional editor in 2017 and approached the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) after being overlooked and, instead, a person without the necessary qualifications was appointed. The CCMA found that the position was irregularly awarded to Jubie Matlou who had no journalism qualification and had also failed a vetting process.
In the ruling delivered this week, which Sowetan has seen, CCMA commissioner Piet Shai found the SABC had committed unfair labour practice. “I order the SABC to pay compensation to the applicants [Mochichila and Bologo] of a sum equivalent to Matlou’s 10 months wages calculated at the latter’s rate at the time of his appointment. The above amount shall be paid on the 30th April 2019. If the parties do not agree as to the amount above, either of them may approach the CCMA to determine same,” he ordered. Shai found the SABC committed unfair labour practice as it failed to finalise the grievance interview within six weeks.
“Also by not finalising the grievance in relation to not finalising the interview process within the required period as provided in the policy, breached its policy of preference for internal candidates before going externally. The SABC further appointed Matlou even though he didn’t qualify in respect of qualifications and vetting,” read the ruling. SABC spokesperson Vuyo Mthembu couldn’t immediately respond to enquiries. The commission also found the public broadcaster failed to convene a meeting with parties within three days after the grievances were lodged. Shai said the manner in which Matlou was appointed gave the impression that the position was reserved for him regardless. Mochichila and Bologo said there was a delay in the appointment and they enquired with a senior manager after which they lodged a grievance. The pair prayed for an order that the process be started all over again, alternatively either of the applicants be appointed in the position or be compensated.
According to a source close to the situation, the contested regional editor post pays between R700,000 and R800,000 per annum. Mochichila said he was told by a senior manager that policies at the SABC were not followed due to political interference.
Matlou said he saw the advertisement and applied and was eventually called for an interview. When it was put to him that he doesn’t have a journalism qualification, Matlou said his degree was in communication but also included journalism.
The original of this report by Peter Ramothwala appeared on page 8 of Sowetan of 28 March 2019
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