Court dismisses Mvoko’s case

SABC journalist Vuyo Mvoko’s application to get the public broadcaster to reinstate him was dismissed by Judge Fritz van Oosen at the Johannesburg High Court yesterday.

Mvoko, an independent producer, has complained the SABC has not aired his programmes ever since he publicly objected to its now rescinded ban on broadcasting visuals of protests in which state property was destroyed. Mvoko, who was not present during the judgment which lasted about 10 minutes was also ordered to pay the costs of the application.

The senior political anchor and producer at SABC was on a threeyear contract. Seven other journalists were also fired for similar reasons, but they have since been reinstated after taking the matter to court.

Yesterday after the ruling Mvoko tweeted: “Court has dismissed my application. Will give reasons on the 12th. Appeal? Obviously...!!!”

Mvoko’s attorney Joy Walker said they were disappointed with the outcome, but they would consider an appeal.

“The judge did find that there’s sufficient urgency in the case, but it was dismissed on the merits.”

“The court can’t order the SABC to reinstate Vuyo in this case... urgency just means that there was sufficient urgency to bring the application on the urgent court roll,” explained Walker.

Walker said she was not sure when they would file for leave to appeal.

Judge van Oosen said he would give reasons why the application was dismissed on Friday. – ANA

Vuyo Mvoko