The SABC fired its suspended CE , Dali Mpofu, but he has vowed to fight them every step of the way, writes Jocelyn Newmarch in the Weekender.
On Friday, the public broadcaster said a board meeting held on Tuesday had decided to “part ways†with Mpofu with immediate effect.
“I think the statement is meant to deliberately confuse people,†Mpofu told The Weekender, because the term “parting of ways†implied a mutual decision.
He said the SABC’s decision was a “unilateral termination†that was consistent with the board’s actions thus far.
Mpofu said he would consult his lawyers at the weekend, but he would fight on as the dismissal had not followed a disciplinary hearing and proper procedure.
Mpofu was suspended last May, following his suspension of SABC head of news and current affairs Snuki Zikalala .
He took the SABC to court, successfully arguing that his suspension be overturned. He was then suspended again .
The SABC board has come under considerable pressure since then, with the African National Congress (ANC) making no secret of its plans to remove the board.
A crucial piece of legislation, the Broadcasting Amendment Act, which provides for the board’s removal, was passed by Parliament last year and now awaits President Kgalema Motlanthe’s signature.
Mpofu said the SABC board’s decision to dismiss him may have been rushed through before the board is removed.
Click here to read the full report, posted on The Weekender's website.
