The reduction of employees is part of the SABC’s turnaround
and long-term sustainability plan that will be concluded on March 31.
According to the SABC, 346 of the 621 are employees who
opted for voluntary severance packages. The other 275 employees are those who
occupied positions that have become redundant. The public broadcaster further
said some employees went through the recruitment process seeking alternative
opportunities but were, unfortunately, not successful.
SABC group chief executive officer Madoda Mxakwe said: “The
retrenchment process has been extremely difficult for all stakeholders and
became emotionally charged at times. The extended process unfortunately also
created prolonged uncertainty and a sense of despondency for many. This was understandable
and regrettable.
"However, despite these challenges, the section 189
process was a necessary component of the SABC’s turnaround plan to ensure the
public broadcaster’s long-term financial sustainability and capacity to fulfil
its extensive public mandate.
“The process was necessary to preserve and reposition the
SABC as a resilient and viable public broadcaster and public media
organisation. We want to be part of preserving this national treasure which has
the public interest at the very heart of its existence.
“The SABC used its best endeavours and managed to absorb
affected employees who qualified for vacant positions during the recruitment
process. However the number of exiting employees is higher than originally
anticipated, due primarily to the impact that lower job scales have on
employees’ retirement benefits and fund value, and the lack of relevant
competencies and qualifications matching available jobs.”
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