Dismissal of SABC journalists unlawful, court rules
The Labour Court in Johannesburg on Tuesday ruled the dismissal of four SABC journalists by the public broadcaster to be unlawful and ordered them to be reinstated.
"The applicants are entitled to return to work at the SABC and to continue with their respective duties and responsibilities in accordance with their job descriptions," Judge André van Niekerk said.
Judge Van Niekerk, who delivered the judgement on behalf of Judge Robert Lagrange, also ruled that all disciplinary processes against the group, must be stopped.
"The respondent [SABC] is interdicted from proceeding with the disciplinary proceedings initiated against the applicants prior to their dismissal," he said.
The court ruled that the SABC's General Manager of Radio News and Current Affairs and the Acting Group Executive of News and Current Affairs had five days to file affidavits to show cause why they should not be held personally liable for all or part of the cost of this application.
The journalists were dismissed after criticising the SABC's decision to ban the broadcasting of destruction of property during violent protests.