The union representing suspended SABC3 news anchor Mahendra Raghunath believes he is still off air because the broadcaster is "victimising" him for speaking out about problems in the newsroom. By Khethiwe Chelemu
Raghunath was suspended in February while allegations that he leaked information to a Sunday newspaper were investigated.
Raghunath had read the news on a contract basis for 10 years.
He took the SABC to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration to fight for a job he is passionate about, said Media Worker's Association of SA acting general secretary Ernest Dlamini.
Raghunath's suspension was lifted on June 4 and he can continue writing bulletins, but his separate anchor contract was not renewed.
"We as a union view this as an extension of victimisation because all his working conditions have not been reinstated," Dlamini said.
Yesterday, Raghunath and the SABC were deadlocked in an hour-long conciliation process at the CCMA, but no ruling was made.
SABC spokesman Kaiser Kganyago refused to comment on the case.
"We as the SABC respect the processes of the CCMA," he said.
