Return to work of Mr Hlaudi Motshweneng 24-07-08

 

COSATU Free State statement on the return to work of Mr. Hlaudi Motshweneng

23 July 2008

In January 2007, the federation raised its concern with the Minister over the manner in which some journalists were treated at the SABC Lesedi Radio Station in the Free State and other stations. We raised our concern at the sudden departure at the time of John Perlman and Nikiwe Bikitsha from SAFM.

We further said at the time that what was happening inside the SABC should not be tolerated and urged for the Minister’s intervention. Many things that happened thereafter proved us right. We raised our concern at the suspension of Hlaudi Motshweneng, the Free State Senior Manager of the popular Current Affairs Programmes - Matshohlo and Makumane - and many other journalists who were at all times prepared to inform the public about issues that affect workers.

We have since learnt that Hlaudi Motshweneng is back at work. The federation is pleased with his return and we hope that he will be able to take his work seriously, as he did before. We are aware that the suspension has surely inconvenienced him as a family man and in many respects, and we are glad that he is still ready to take up his work. We have no doubt that he will indeed do his work professionally as always.

Statement made on behalf of the federation in the Free State Province

Sam Mashinini

Provincial Secretary

051 447 5499 or 082 563 6954