SuperSport has abruptly fired the veteran sports presenter Robert Marawa by sending him an SMS, with Marawa insinuating that his firing is connected to allegations of sexual harassment within SuperSport ranks that he spoke up about.
On social media Robert Marawa told the public on Thursday night that he was told less than 2 hours before the start of his show on SuperSport 4 (DStv 204) on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV service through an SMS not to show up for work.
Robert Marawa was previously fired from the SABC in July 2017 and later rehired, and he was previously also fired from SoccerZone on SABC1.
His current TV show bearing his name, Thursday Night Live with Marawa, is produced from SuperSport's Randburg studios as a live broadcast on Thursdays at 20:30.
Earlier on Thursday evening Robert Marawa still presented his usual daily radio show Marawa Sports Worldwide on the SABC that is simulcast on both Radio 2000 and Metro FM.
Robert Marawa said on social media that "I would like to thank all those who have supported my journey as a sportscaster and those I've worked with at SuperSport". Earlier he alluded to unhappiness in the workplace in an earlier tweet, saying "Imagine paying for a service where people who are guilty of sexual harassment are employed and encouraged to work".
In another message to viewers wanting to know what happened he said "One day u will ALL know. It will cost me my life but you will know" adding that "The Mafia! Incorporated with lackeys. An amazing story."
I received a text around 18H50 tonight informing me that I should not bother coming to Studio for Thursday Night Live with Marawa Show on @SuperSportTV... I would like to thank all those who have supported my journey as a Sportscaster & those I've worked with at Supersport! ✌🏼✌🏼— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) May 16, 2019
Working and reflecting....Imagine paying for a service where people who r guilty of sexual harassment r employed and encouraged to work!! Lovely hey....— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) May 16, 2019
The Mafia!! Incorporated with lackeys. An amazing story!! 👌🏽— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) May 16, 2019
Thursday night's co-host Thato Moeng awkwardly presented the programme by herself and repeatedly told viewers that it was suddenly "the last show". It was unclear whether she meant the end of the entire show, or the end of the show being connected to Robert Marawa.
SuperSport in a statement said "SuperSport is in the process of an exciting refresh of its local presenter line-up, which will be unveiled as part of our new football season campaign".
"This restructure includes us not pursuing our contractual relationship with Robert Marawa. Robert was personally advised of our decision earlier this week. We are grateful for his contribution over the years and wish him great success in his future endeavours."
It's not clear which other SuperSport presenters or programmes are getting axed.
