SABC warns of mass redundancies
June 22, 2020
By Chris Forrester
Financially troubled South African public broadcaster SABC says it has issued notices to some 600 staff warning them of possible redundancies.
SABC is reorganising itself with the aim of dramatically trimming costs. It has been warned by the country’s government that there’s no more cash available for bailouts. A new set of financial conditions has been set by South Africa’s finance ministry for SABC.
According to SABC’s 2019 Annual Report it directly employed 3167 permanent staff and some 1500 independent contractors.
“The SABC has a duty to ensure its continued viability so that it may fulfil its public mandate and effectively serve the millions of South Africans who rely on it for education, information and entertainment,” SABC said in a statement.
SABC added: “The notice of redundancy will impact approximately 600 employees and these affected employees will be invited to make representations during a consultation process which will be facilitated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.”