SABC shocks as public broadcaster parts ways with veteran sportscaster Robert Marawa; Vaylen Kirtley exits after 20 years to jump to Newzroom Afrika.

by Thinus Ferreira

As usual, since it's Friday, the SABC shocked when it suddenly announced that the South African public broadcaster has parted ways with the popular veteran sports presenter Robert Marawa whose Marawa Sport Worldwide show is apparently done and not returning to SABC radio, and with the popular TV presenter Vaylen Kirtley who is exiting after 2 decades with the SABC as she jumps to Newzroom Afrika.

Robert Marawa and his latest Marawa Sport Worldwide, has been hugely popular and a drawcard to bring large swathes of listeners to SABC radio stations, as has been previous programmes he fronted for the SABC on radio and television.

Likewise, Vaylen Kirtley has become a mainstain in the mornings on SABC2 and SABC News on Morning Live over years, while she also appeared on other SABC Sport programming. 

Insiders told TVwithThinus on Friday that Vaylen Kirtley is joining the South African TV news channel Newzroom Afrika (DStv 405). Newzroom Afrika has not yet made any announcements regarding her hiring.

Robert Marawa on social media on Friday said that he has once again "been shown the door by the SABC and unceremoniously told not to do my last show tonight".

Robert Marawa said that "after serving the public broadcaster through time, I am sent yet another text from a person in an acting position informing" him that his last show won't be broadcast on Friday after the issuing of a press release by the SABC, with the SABC apparently fearing what Robert Marawa might say in his final show.

In a terse statement lacking transparency and giving no reasons at all for either departure, the SABC, mere minutes before noon on Friday, announced that Robert Marawa and Vaylen Kirtley are no longer with the public broadcaster.

The statement contained no quotes attributed to either Robert Marawa or Vaylen Kirtley and their exit comes as the SABC is trying to bolster the content and talent of its SABC Sport brand and digital terrestrial TV channel run by SABC Sport boss Gary Rathbone.

"The SABC would like to announce the departure of renowned sports broadcasters Robert Marawa and Vaylen Kirtley," the SABC statement reads.

"Robert Marawa departs following the conclusion of the MSW (Marawa Sport Worldwide) which Robert Marawa presented on both Metro FM and Radio 2000 simultaneously."

"Vaylen Kirtley presented the sports segment of the SABC's television current affairs show, Morning Live and was also an anchor for SABC Sport programming. She joined the SABC 20 years ago and started with junior sports programmes at the time."

"The SABC would like to wish Robert Marawa and Vaylen Kirtley well in their future endeavours and appreciates their contribution to SABC Sport programming."

Robert Marawa starts his own sports interview channel, Marawa.TV, on YouTube after being fired by SuperSport.

Like how Julia Roberts' character walked back into the Rodeo Drive shop and said "big mistake", Robert Marawa has just launched his own sports interview channel on YouTube after he was fired by SuerSport.

With one of the biggest contact lists in sports, Robert Marawa will now do his own sports content with the MarawaTV channel on YouTube that has already over 10 000 subscribers less than a day after it went live on Thursday.

"MarawaTV is an all-access, opinion-based, on-the-ground sports content channel for a global audience," says Robert Marawa.

"It delivers exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage of the latest sporting events from around the world with real-time content, updates and interviews profiling teams, players, tournaments and sports cultures."

"A legend in his own right, Robert Marawa has decades of experience under his belt and has built relationships with many of the top sports personalities in the world."

"He has won almost all major radio and TV journalism awards in South Africa for his excellent work on football, the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games, the All-Africa Games and has hosted numerous popular, mainstream functions, both locally and internationally."

"This unique position allows for firsthand insight and experiential understanding when delivering uncensored content and building interaction with sports fans around the world."

Robert Marawa's first interview on his channel was with the Senegal legend El-Hadji Diouf, talking about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Robert Marawa was previously fired from the SABC's MetroFM in July 2017 but later rehired, and was also fired from SABC1's SoccerZone.

In mid-May Robert Marawa was abruptly fired by SuperSport as the face of Thursday Night Live with Marawa on SuperSport 4 (DStv 204), slamming MultiChoice and SuperSport's top executives afterwards who he said "don't know the business", and publicly asking why SuperSport "lie to people" over the reasons for his axing.

MultiChoice CEO Calvo Mawela denies sexual harassment claims within the pay-TV service and SuperSport; 'if there are cases happening at the MultiChoice Group, rest assured I will act there and then'.

Calvo Mawela, MultiChoice Group CEO, says he is not aware of any new sexual harassment claims that have been officially been made against people working at the Randburg-based satellite pay-TV service or divisions like SuperSport, and that in instances where such cases are reported, MultiChoice will act on it.

Calvo Mawela addressed sexual harassment when the topic surfaced as a joint press conference on Thursday of MultiChoice and the Premier Soccer League (PSL) at the PSL head office in Parktown, Johannesburg where the PSL and MultiChoice announced a format change to the MultiChoice Diski Challenge competition.

Allegations and rumours have been swirling that SuperSport fired the sports presenter Robert Marawa in mid-May after he allegedly protected or stood up for an unnamed woman or women who work at SuperSport and who have allegedly been sexually harassed by their bosses.

After getting axed by SuperSport, Robert Marawa on social media said "Imagine paying for a service where people who are guilty of sexual harassment are employed and encouraged to work".

SuperSport didn't respond to a media enquiry from TVwithThinus asking about this in May following the axing of Robert Marawa.

A former SuperSport employee, Mmaphuti Mashamaite took to social media, alleging that a former boss is "a sexual predator", saying "I was painted as a loose goose, wild child. Just to cover for a sexual predator at work. I had three mental breakdowns soon after. I got less bookings. I couldn't talk. I can't talk still".

Calvo Mawela on Thursday said that SuperSport firing Robert Marawa had nothing to do with sexual harassment.

"It’s a very complex matter because we are dealing with a contract that was not renewed and then sexual harassment cases are being spread through social media. If there are sexual harassment cases that people are saying are happening within the MultiChoice Group‚ rest assured I will act there and then on such culprits‚ and act decisively on them."

"Let me be very clear on sexual harassment: I will not tolerate sexual harassment and I will act decisively on anybody who is found to be acting untowards‚ especially taking advantage of vulnerable women".

"So those allegations‚ unfortunately‚ are allegations that we have heard‚ that we have seen everywhere‚ but we have never seen anything coming through to the company saying this has happened, and unfortunately I can’t comment on those that we have seen circulating on social media," said Calvo Mawela.

While alleged sexual harassment is described as 'a real problem' within SuperSport, insiders allege that Robert Marawa was fired for personally upsetting South Africa's soccer bosses - report.

While alleged sexual harassment is described as "a real problem" within SuperSport according to insiders, Robert Marawa was not fired by SuperSport this past week because he tried to stand up for staffers but because SuperSport allegedly got rid of him to appease South African football bosses who don't like his coverage.

SuperSport abruptly fired the veteran sports broadcaster this week as the face of Thursday Night Live with Marawa on SuperSport 4 (DStv 204) who was missing in action from his sports commentary show on Thursday night.

Co-host Thato Moeng anchored the show on her own and repeatedly kept saying it's "the last show" with no explanation regarding Robert Marawa's disappearance.

SuperSport said that getting rid of the veteran and beloved sports presenter is part of a refresh of its local presenters' line-up and said in a statement that "this restructure includes us not pursuing our contractual relationship with Robert Marawa".

Robert Marawa who referred to people inside SuperSport as the "mafia" in a tweet on social media alleged that he was fired due to allegations of sexual harassment within SuperSport ranks that he spoke up about.

SuperSport didn't respond to a media enquiry from TVwithThinus in the week seeking comment about these allegations.

On Friday SuperSport was asked in a media enquiry for its response to allegations about a TV director sexually harassing women, whether SuperSport is investigating these claims, why specifically Robert Marawa was fired and when SuperSport will announce which other on-air talent will no longer be working for SuperSport. SuperSport's spokesperson Clinton van der Berg didn't respond.

Many DStv subscribers and SuperSport viewers have been reacting in anger, saying on social media that they have, are and will be cancelling their DStv subscriptions with MultiChoice.

After he was fired, Robert Marawa in a radio interview on Friday slammed SuperSport, SuperSport CEO Gideon Khobane, and broadcasting executives "who don't know the business", and asked SuperSport to be honest with the people, saying "Why lie to people?".

On Sunday City Press reported that according to insiders SuperSport CEO Gideon Khobane allegedly "was just carrying out that directive" to fire Robert Marawa in accordance with the wishes of South African football bigwigs who have taken personal offence over some of Robert Marawa's coverage and commentary on SuperSport.

"I can tell you that one of the reasons Robert’s contract was not renewed is that the sporting federations are unhappy with the way he portrays them publicly,” said a SuperSport insider quoted in the City Press report.

Another insider alleged that "sexual harassment is a real problem" at SuperSport and that Robert Marawa challenged Giden Khobane in 2018 to "take action and protect his female colleagues at the office, but instead he got angry and defensive because it involved his two henchmen".

Clinton van der Berg is quoted in the City Press article stating that sexual harassment was unrelated to SuperSport's decision to fire Robert Marawa in the week.

Robert Marawa after his shocking firing slams broadcasting execs who 'don't know the business', tells SuperSport to be honest with the people: 'Why lie to people?'

Robert Marawa (46) is speaking out after the sports presenter was abruptly axed from SuperSport, slamming broadcasting executives who "don't know the business" and telling SuperSport to be honest with DStv subscribers, asking: "Why lie to people?"

SuperSport terminated Robert Marawa's on-air job as the face of Thursday Night Live with Marawa on SuperSport 4 (DStv 204) who was missing in action from his sports commentary show on Thursday night, with co-host Thato Moeng who anchored the show on her own and repeatedly kept saying it's "the last show" with no explanation regarding Robert Marawa's disappearance.

SuperSport said that getting rid of the veteran and beloved sports presenter is part of a refresh of its local presenters' line-up and said in a statement that "this restructure includes us not pursuing our contractual relationship with Robert Marawa".

Robert Marawa who referred to people inside SuperSport as the "mafia" in a tweet on social media alleged that he was fired due to allegations of sexual harassment within SuperSport ranks that he spoke up about. SuperSport didn't respond to a media enquiry seeking comment about these allegations.

Many DStv subscribers and SuperSport viewers have been reacting in anger, saying on social media that they have, are and will be cancelling their DStv subscriptions with MultiChoice.

In an interview on the SABC's Radio 2000 on Friday with DJ Phat Joe, Robert Marawa without mentioning any names, said "remember that a lot of the people who get employed to do the work don't know what broadcasting is".

"They get given a title to be whatever they are supposed to be but they don't know the business."

Talking about SuperSport putting out a tweet saying he had been fired earlier in the week, Robert Marawa said "tell me when earlier in the week is because the only time we sat down to talk was Wednesday at 3:30pm when the meeting was supposed to happen".

"I went in to work already half-dressed for Thursday Night Live for which I was on the running order. I have the running order. I'm due to be on the show on Thursday night. I'm on the schedule to do Champions League on 1 June. So why lie to people?"

"Remember this is a pay-per-view organisation. People are paying for a product. I didn't ask to be there. SuperSport asked me to come and join them when I did straight after the Germany World Cup - 12, 13 years ago."

"So all that it was, was 'Listen your contract has lapsed end of April. I am not going to renew your contract because I have the powers as the SuperSport CEO [Gideon Khobane] not to renew your contract'. No reasons given. Sure, no problem. 'We've transgressed a couple of things legally.' So, no problem. Cool. That is it," said Robert Marawa.

"I don't have a right to a job but you know, when your magazine shows are rated audience ratings wise - and audiences ratings are not things that are thumb-suck, they are verified - as being the top, you can't move from that to 'oh we just decided to refresh a couple of faces'. So be honest with the people."

"Like sure, they don't want me there, which is fine," said Robert Marawa. "I'm a sports broadcaster, my life doesn't depend or rely on their opinions about me. It's about me elevating my game to the next level. So they can do whatever they want with their platform."

He said "as a broadcaster allow me the latitude to do what I do. People just feel the need to control- especially all of these people elevated into positions where they know nothing about broadcasting but they feel the need to tell Phat Joe something or another. And for them, they are in heaven. That means the world."

"But as for you and I to try and change the landscape, to try and make people aware that there's credibility, there's enjoyment in this field that we are in."

On Friday SuperSport was asked in a media enquiry for its response to allegations about a TV director sexually harassing women, whether SuperSport is investigating these claims, why specifically Robert Marawa was fired and when SuperSport will announce which other on-air talent will no longer be working for SuperSport. SuperSport didn't respond.

Many DStv subscribers say they're cancelling their pay-TV subscriptions with MultiChoice after SuperSport fires veteran presenter Robert Marawa.

Furious DStv subscribers are saying they are and will be cancelling their pay-TV subscriptions with MultiChoice after SuperSport abruptly fired the veteran presenter Robert Marawa (46).

SuperSport terminated Robert Marawa's on-air job as the face of Thursday Night Live with Marawa on SuperSport 4 (DStv 204) with co-host Thato Moeng who anchored the show on her own and repeatedly kept saying it's "the last show" with no explanation of Robert Marawa's disappearance.

SuperSport said that getting rid of Robert Marawa is part of a refresh of its local presenters' line-up and said in a statement that "this restructure includes us not pursuing our contractual relationship with Robert Marawa".

Robert Marawa alleged that he was fired due to allegations of sexual harassment within SuperSport ranks that he spoke up about. SuperSport didn't respond to a media enquiry seeking comment about these allegations.

Many DStv subscribers and SuperSport viewers have been reacting in anger, saying on social media that they have, are and will be cancelling their DStv subscriptions.

Tokologo Matlala said "SuperSport, the only reason I kept paying your ridiculously high subscription was because of sport. And for me Robert Marawa is synonymous with sport! Mind you not just football for me. You lose Robert Marawa, then you lose me as a subscriber!"

Linda Kwenamore said "Im canceling my DStv subscription if Robert Marawa has been dismissed by SuperSport. I will also do like those Afrikaners and smash it!"

Letsebogo said "Not having Robert Marawa on Thursday Night Live on SuperSport is like having the MTN8 without Kaizer Chiefs - it doesn't make sense. Officially terminating my subscription with DStv end of the month. I will reverse the debit order".

Eddie Kuntha said "I'm prepared to drive over my decoder and cancel my subscription of MultiChoice's DStv in solidarity with Robert Marawa. SUperSport is not going to be the same again".

@SuperSportTV just so you know.... Only reason I kept paying your ridiculously high subscription was because of sport. And for me #RobertMarawa is synonymous with sport! Mind you not just football for me. You lose @robertmarawa, then you lose me as a subscriber!

— Sir TK Tokologo Matlala (@tokollom) May 17, 2019

#RobertMarawa once took a bullet for his producer who was suspended from the SABC and he got fired. Now he took a bullet for the interns who are sexually abused by the "Top Dogs" and he got fired again. But they don't know that You Can't Keep The Good Man Down, he'll rise again

— Sbuda (@Sbuda_H) May 17, 2019

I’m canceling my @DStv subscription if @robertmarawa has been dismissed by @SuperSportTV I will also do like those Afrikaners & smash it!

— Mandanda (@linda_kwenamore) May 16, 2019

That’s why they removed him on Extra Time they were preparing to remove him, this people are Evil. It’s high time we exercise our power and unsubscribe to this nonsense #RobertMarawa

— MrLSir (@InfoLuckynt) May 17, 2019

Not having Mr @robertmarawa on Thursday Night Live @SuperSportTV is like having the MTN8 without @KaizerChiefs, it doesn't make sense. Officially terminating my subscription with @DStv end of the month. I will reverse the debit order#MarawaSaga pic.twitter.com/Q3MJwqjsRb

— letsebogo (@francofrancose) May 16, 2019

Today I'm in town I will reduce #dstv channels #RobertMarawa just to support this legend.

— fanele wisdom (@fanelek) May 17, 2019

I'm prepared to drive over my decoder and cancel my subscription of @MultiChoiceGRP @DStv in solidarity with @robertmarawa. @SuperSportTV is not gonna be the same again..

— Tshwantshi (@Eddie_Kuntha) May 16, 2019

SuperSport fires Robert Marawa in an SMS, as he alleges that taking a stand against sexual harassment got him axed.

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.

SABC Sport exec Marcia Mahlalela abruptly resigns rather than face investigation as SABC COO Chris Maroleng is charged over Robert Marawa's R5.5 million contract to return to the Metro FM.

The former SABC Sport executive Marcia Mahlalela has abruptly resigned from the South African public broadcaster rather than face investigation, as Chris Maroleng, the new SABC chief operating officer (COO) has been charged over the SuperSport and SABC on-air talent Robert Marawa's R5.5 million contract to return to the Metro FM.

Sunday World first reported that Marcia Mahlalela resigned from the SABC and that Chris Maroleng is facing charges over their reappointment of Robert Marawa at a multi-million dollar salary at the SABC.

When Marcia Mahlalela were charged, she abruptly resigned from the South African public broadcaster with immediate effect.

Marcia Mahlalela was charged with allegedly demoted her junior for refusing to go along with writing a memorandum to motivate for Robert Marawa's reappointment, that she allegedly signed a contract with Robert Marawa without checking whether the SABC had money for the R5.5 million contract, and for allegedly neglecting her fiduciary duties over the exorbitant price of the 3-year deal.

Chris Maroleng has allegedly been charged with allegedly interfering with Robert Marawa's appointment and allegedly failing to declare his prior personal friendship with Robert Marawa.

Fired Metro FM sportscaster Robert Marawa slams 'crazy, wrong-doing' SABC executives; says truth will come out, that there's lots of unhappy people at the SABC.

The fired veteran sportscaster Robert Marawa who got sacked by the SABC from his Metro FM show in the week without being told directly after he stood up for his suspended producer is calling out the SABC's "crazy" and "wrong-doing" executives.

He told Power FM in a radio interview that the truth will come out and that there's a lot of unhappy people at the SABC.

In the week the SABC's latest head of sport Sully Motsweni and the acting general manager for radio Orapeleng Lethebe fired the veteran sportscaster Robert Marawa who has been doing the hugely popular Sports@6 show on Metro FM, and said in a statement that the SABC "wishes him well".

The beleaguered and cash-strapped SABC that no longer has a head of radio and is awaiting yet another government bail-out, then admitted that it didn't tell Robert Marawa directly that he was fired, with SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago claiming that the SABC couldn't get hold of him.

Three weeks ago Robert Marawa refused to return to his Metro FM show out of solidarity after what he called the unfair suspension of his radio show producer Beverly Maphangwa for including a short comment from a sports commentator in the show - something that presenters are allowed to do.

The SABC then sent Robert Marawa a letter saying he has to give reason why he shouldn't be fired for failing to show up for work.

Robert Marawa who also works as a sportscaster or pay-TV broadcaster MultiChoice and its SuperSport media outfit had to find out from other SABC staffers that he was abruptly fired this week when they got a company-circulated internal email and they in turn told him.

"SABC Sport came through from the beginning of June and took over the running of the show as opposed to Metro FM running the show," Robert Marawa told the Power FM radio station in an interview on Friday, explaining the bizarre circumstances around his firing from the SABC.

"It suddenly became SABC Sport now in charge of all sports on all radio stations, including Metro FM".

"I did say as long as you guys don't interfere with the editorial of the show, I don't have a problem with this new plan that you guys have. But it didn't take long for it to really surface that it was about the editorial that was the key factor," said Robert Marawa.

"So somebody who is coming in, who's new with a set agenda, can't come through and tell me - especially if they don't have a background in broadcasting, they've got a background in telling TV presenters what to wear on weekends, and you've been in marketing and you've been doing all of these things - and then all of a sudden you feel you've got the power to come through and tell us that."

"So they have trumped up charges against Bev, suspended her. But they never ever had a hearing for her. She never went for a disciplinary hearing to say 'charge 1'."

"So they suspended her, never charged her, I took myself off air and then as a result I'm now charged with withdrawing my services. But I withdrew my services, notifying them I'm not coming through."

"Then yesterday they reinstated her, but never mentioned any of the two charges that she had so-called broken within the SABC."


'These guys are crazy'
Robert Marawa told Power FM that "my lawyer actually laughed at the charges and said these guys are crazy, and crazy they are. And that is why with sober minds we will approach it in a manner where South Africans will be able to see what has gone on here. I'm not fighting to get my job back. It's not about that."

"We will be able to present a very clear case of why the public has been duped and why after I had gone to the SABC interim board myself, David Kekana and a whole group of people have gone and approached SABC board deputy chairperson Mathata Tsedu, Krish Naidoo in the presence of acting chief operating officer (COO) Bessie Tugwana".

Robert Marawa said they mentioned to the SABC's interim board the "shenanigans" that Sully Motsweni "is committing as we speak who has been in charge of SABC Sport and it has to do with money, and it has to do with wrong-doing".

Robert Marawa told Power FM that she was in the meeting that was held during the week "recused themselves, said they're going to Sandton, but ultimately came back into the meeting to then say to everybody 'Robert has got to go - immediately', which was her call".

He said "people mustn't read and then fall prey to the lies that these people are bringing forward".


'When people are doing wrong, you shouldn't be scared'
Robert Marawa slammed the SABC for the public broadcaster's apparent lack of support to on-air talent.

"Unfortunately there, the more you succeed, and the more you bring in the numbers, the more people fall in love with your work, the more the people that are running the show - the administrators - and some of the ones who made this decision are in acting positions, imagine taking such a drastic decision from someone who is in an acting position," said Robert Marawa.

"When it comes to support, it's funny how when you get to a level of excellence in what you do, then the people around you tend not to support you," he said.

"The reason why I speak openly about this and I don't really fear anybody about this, is because it's the public broadcaster. It belong to the public. So when they go for bail-outs after they've chowed the money ... it's your money as a public broadcaster".

"When people are doing wrong, you shouldn't be scared," said Robert Marawa. "A lot of people are unhappy there [at the SABC] but they'll keep quiet".

"I stand my ground because you can't fear anybody. Rather starve in dignity than eat in shame."

BREAKING. SABC fires sportscaster Robert Marawa as latest veteran talent gone from public broadcaster's Metro FM after ugly in-fighting.

The SABC has fired the veteran sportscaster Robert Marawa who has been dumped from Metro FM as the latest veteran broadcasting talent to be jettisoned by the struggling public broadcaster and the radio station after ongoing behind-the-scenes in-fighting.

Robert Marawa who also works as a sports journalist for pay-TV broadcaster MultiChoice and its SuperSport media outfit has had his contract terminated and found out from other SABC staffers who got a company-circulated internal email.

Three weeks ago Robert Marawa refused to return to his Metro FM show out of solidarity after the "unfair suspension" of his radio show producer Beverly Maphangwa. The SABC then sent him a letter saying he has to give reason why he shouldn't be fired.

Beverly Maphanga was suspended for her decision to include a short commentary in a show that was broadcast on SuperSport. The SABC often uses SuperSport visuals on its TV stations.

In a statement on Wednesday afternoon the SABC said it would "like to announce that it has parted ways with sports presenter Robert Marawa".

The SABC said that "SABC Sport has accepted his decision to repudiate his contract with the SABC which he entered into with SABC Sport on 6 June 2017. The SABC engaged Robert Marawa several times to try and remedy the situation."

According to Sully Motsweni, the SABC's sport boss, "Robert Marawa "had contributed immensely to the sport brand of the organisation. It was hard for us to accept but we concede to his decision".

Metro FM and the SABC have seen a string of exits just this year as the cash-strapped SABC continues to be plagued by management upheaval and talent management problems that spills into the public.

BREAKING. Robert Marawa of SuperSport and Unathi Msengana of M-Net's Idols are back on SABC1 for Nelson Mandela tribute coverage.

Robert Marawa from SuperSport who started at SABC1 and Unathi Msengana who's a judge on M-Net's Idols but who also started at the SABC, both showed up on the SABC's SABC1 TV channel on Sunday night anchoring a Nelson Mandela tribute special.

Robert Marawa and Unathi Msengana are now the anchors of the new limited-run series Mandela: The World That Made Him which started on Sunday following the death of Nelson Mandela.

The first episode of Mandela: The World That Made Him started on SABC1 on Sunday evening, with more episodes to follow during the week on the channel.

Robert Marawa and Unathi Msengana interviewed people who knew Nelson Mandela and will continue to do so in further episodes of the studio based half hour show.

It's interesting to note that both Robert Marawa and Unathi Msengana work for pay-TV broadcaster M-Net and SuperSport where they have become closely associated with those brands. They both however are also doing duty as radio personalities for SABC radio.

REVIEW. The SA Sports Awards 2012 broadcast on SABC1 and SuperSport resembles a third rate late night Hillbrow nightclub.

"Unbelievable stuff here tonight," said Robert Marawa as co-host during the course of the evening of the simply terrible live broadcast of the SA Sports Awards 2012 which took place Sunday night.

And he was right: the live awards show was unbelievable - unbelievably bad in the totally amateur, completely unprofessional, shockingly awful and just plain cringeworthy way this outside broadcast production was done by the SABC's Outside Broadcasting division from the Sandton Convention Centre.

The two hour trash show laid bare how shockingly inept the SABC is at making even a passing grade on a live awards ceremony. The shockingly lowrent production values of the  SA Sports Awards 2012, with an appearance in person by the SABC CEO Lulama Mokhobo and the acting COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng (who also didn't read very well) was hopelessly pathetic and a mockery of what something like this is supposed to be.

Is the SA Sports Awards now South Africa's most embarrassingly bad televised awards show ceremony? For the millions of rands this makeshift looking awards show must cost to stage, why is it so totally trash?

The SA Sports Awards 2012 with its seedy music, bad stage acts including a tired looking and inappropriately dressed for her age PJ Powers (with windblown hair) belting out old music, simply felt like a third rate late night Hillbrow nightclub where both establishment and patrons have long since seen better days.

The Soweto Gospel Choir looking like ghosts in inappropriate white robes sang as Somizi, adorned with ostrich feathers, writhed in front of them on the floor. Bless.

Warren Bleksley was the director, with Jerry Mokgopo and Melinda Lombard the executive producers of this inadequate and sad live TV mess coming to viewers courtesy of the SABC and the department of sport and recreation. Diane Stanton-Lourens was head of production.

Like last year, when the SA Sports Awards 2011 was a horror to watch, the SABC again showed the live awards ceremony on SABC1 while SuperSport likewise again damaged its brand by inflicting the completely amateur production on viewers on SuperSport 4 using the SABC's visuals.

SABC1 viewers who recorded it on their DStv PVRs would (thankfully!) only have gotten the first half hour recorded. The EPG supplied by the SABC and used by MultiChoice was entirely incorrect.

The only point of excellence was co-host Carl Tshabalala, impeccably dressed and wonderfully warm and well-spoken: a real TV presenter. Presenter Tarina Patel right at the end, with her wonderful presentation and elegance was another bright sparkle. The rest of the SA Sports Awards 2012 was again a massive disaster and a shameful local television embarrassement. Surely, surely South Africa's TV industry and the SABC can produce a better live awards ceremony than this?

Sound fading in and out incorrectly and which was noticeably incorrect constantly during the broadcast should get all the sound operators fired. This was unforgiveably bad. There was no sound in suddenly silent moments (awkward). Sound feedback was audible for viewers at home during some songs. The mic sound from presenters was laughably and horribly fading in and out inappropriately; not on when it should be and with terribly fluxuating sound levels. It gave this mess of a ceremony show a shockingly amateur atmosphere.

A laughable menagerie of totally inappropriate presenters to introduce and announce category winners, coupled with erratic camera work from camera operators who seemed as if they're filming home movies in their own backyards, ensured enough material for lecturers of film students on what not to do.

Basically none of the presenters for any of the categories came across as being able to read. The set design (with little railings) and of mostly white perspex plates seemed primary school. Speaking of primary school, the South African children ceremonially holding guns with blades on stage fitted right in.

A camera crane operator ("jimmy jib") who doesn't seem to know what he's doing, ending up with high overhead shots (and the director then inappropriately actually cutting to it and using it), the incorrect pronunciation of names, presenters struggling to read, presenters wasting time by asking the audience to guess the winner (unbelievable!), presenters struggling to open envelopes, multiple glaring lighting problems, a 25 minute wait before the first category announcement ... the list of gaffes and terribly production decisions and production mistakes during the SA Sport Awards 2012 were absolutely endless.

Why did some presenters and people on stage get a descriptive name and title banner in the lower third on screen, while others got nothing? Did the vision controllers and SABC Sport graphics technician fall asleep from the confusing tedium of this drawn-out pain which viewers were made to suffer through?

Even bad nightclubs close at some time when the last stragglers get kicked out. Although this TV trash was supposed to stop at 22:00, it also again ran over time just like a year ago. SuperSport 4 eventually cut away at 22:03 from the SA Sport Awards 2012. SABC1 kept going until 22:07.