The Minister of Communications, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, has noted a call by Communication Workers Union (CWU) and the Broadcasting, Electronic, Media & Allied Workers Union (BEMAWU) to resume the strike action over wage disputes at the SABC on Thursday the 14th December 2017.

Minister Kubayi-Ngubane respects the Constitutional right of workers to embark on a protest action and believes that peaceful wage increase negotiations should not be subordinated to strike action.

The SABC has a public mandate to provide citizens with information regarding various issues in the society. It is for this reason that the Minister would like to implore the workers and the unions to allow for an amicable solution to be found on the negotiation table and to try by all means to avoid any disruptions to the day to day operations.

Minister Kubayi-Ngubane calls on all stakeholders to engage in a peaceful and constructive wage negotiations.

“The SABC has experienced revenue loss in the past, as a result the current financial situation at the broadcasting corporation is untenable. It is my plea that all parties involved in the negotiation process should avoid engaging in any activities that could lead to further revenue loss” said Minister Kubayi-Ngubane.

Furthermore, Minister appeal for patience to allow the negotiations and consultation process to unfold in a much more balanced manner thus taking into account all factors and concerns raised by all parties.

 

Issued by Department of Communications