SABC fires unruly journo

SABC journalist Kgaohelo Magolego has been fired by the public broadcaster for allegedly failing to report on an event attended by Communications Minister Faith Muthambi.

Sunday World understands Magolego (35) was hauled over the coals by SABC bosses for storming out of the government imbizo and not filing a report on it.

The event, held in Lephalale, Limpopo, in November, saw the minister dish out food parcels and blankets to disadvantaged community members.

It is understood Magolego, who worked for Thobela FM, dumped the event after Muthambi refused to answer his questions about digital migration.

Muthambi allegedly complained to SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng, saying Magolego was asking her irrelevant questions.

A few days after the event, Magolego was then informed by his boss Nothando Maseko about the SABC’s intention to suspend him, pending a disciplinary hearing.

He was then dragged to a disciplinary hearing and later handed a letter detailing the outcome, with recommendations that he was found guilty and would be fired immediately.

SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago confirmed Magolego was given the boot.

We can confirm the employee was subjected to a disciplinary process and it was recommended that he must be fired,” said Kganyago. But he has appealed the outcome and the SABC is waiting for the appeal process to be concluded.”

Muthambi’s spokesman Mishack Molakeng said: We don’t comment on unsubstantiated allegations. Please direct your questions to the SABC.”

An SABC staffer, who did not want to be named as he was not authorised to speak to the media, said Magolego was accused of insubordination.

He said Magolego refused to interview Muthambi, stating the handing over of food parcels and blankets by the minister was not a story worth covering.

They say he refused to follow the news brief and to interview Muthambi about the imbizo,” said the staffer.

Magolego was not available for comment as he did not answer his phone nor respond to our SMSes.