by Thinus Ferreira
After the SABC fired SABC News senior political journalist Tshepo Ikaneng for allegedly being drunk, the South African public broadcaster has now demanded he stop defaming the SABC "over claims without merit".
Tshepo Ikaneng, on social media, claimed that he was fired after he threatened to expose corruption and nepotism.
Tshepo Ikaneng alleged that Deidre Uren, SABC News boss, was apparently colluding with William Baloyi, the head of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) to get their "puppet" into a position at SABC News special projects as part of a political plot to undermine the ANC, MKP and EFF political parties in favour of the DA political party before 2026's local government elections.
Reesha Kasipershad-Pillay, SABC legal advisor, has sent Tshepo Ikaneng a cease-and-desist letter, demanding that he remove all of the allegedly defamatory statements in his posts from his social media.
Reesha Kasipershad-Pillay instructed Tshepo Ikaneng to confirm that the statements have been removed, that he confirm in writing that he won't make any further false and defamatory remarks about the SABC or SABC staffers, as well as a written retraction and apology to the South African public broadcaster.
The SABC, in a statement, says "We take any allegation made against the organisation or our employees
seriously, and we follow established internal processes to evaluate and
address such matters thoroughly
and fairly".
"In this case, as with all matters brought to our attention, the
allegations are subjected to the appropriate internal procedures. These
claims without merit are being perpetuated by Tshepo Ikaneng whose
employment was recently terminated after a properly constituted
disciplinary process."
"The SABC stands firmly with the employees who are being targeted by
these unfounded claims. The SABC has robust governance, editorial
and operational frameworks in place to ensure the continued credibility
and professionalism of SABC News."
"Given the seriousness and the public impact of the false statements
being circulated, the SABC has taken the necessary legal steps."
The broadcaster confirms that "A formal cease-and-desist demand has been issued to Tshepo Ikaneng, requiring him to
remove the defamatory content and refrain from
making any further false assertions."
Tshepo Ikaneng has also declared a dispute at the CCMA through his union.
The SABC says it will "engage fully in that process".
