The Right2Know Campaign supports Thandeka Gqubule!
We have noted with great concern the victimization and abuse faced by journalists in the industry. Today we stand in solidarity with Thandeka Gqubule who is being charged with misconduct by the SABC.
Right2Know has in the past years kept a keen eye on issues to do with the surveillance of journalists. R2K is therefore deeply concerned that Gqubule’s work emails have been under surveillance.
We as the Right2Know Campaign believe this disciplinary hearing has nothing to do with disciplinary processes but more to do with silencing the voice of dissent within the SABC. Gqubule is being victimised for speaking truth to power on issues of misconduct within the SABC, questioning unfair disciplinary processes.
Surveillance has become prevalent showing that the remnants of an apartheid system still remain and must be rooted out. It cannot be that defenders of democracy are subjected to inhumane and illegal acts such as surveillance to a point where they feel unsafe. Right2Know declares war against illegal surveillance.
We also note with great concern how the disciplinary hearing has been set in Rivonia instead of the SABC offices. We question this very fact.
Thandeka Gqubule has been a defender of the democratic mandate of the SABC. She has also ensured the editorial policy is always defended and implemented correctly. This disciplinary hearing is a sure sign of journalists being dealt with to ensure the hands of corruption continue in the SABC. We question why these issues were not taken to the trade union, as should there be an issue with an employee that can be done. Why must there be a hearing so far away from the public hidden in Rivonia? The extent of victimization Thandeka Gqubule has experienced since being part of the SABC 8 has been heavy.
We come out today to give support to a fellow comrade who exercised her democratic rights and duties even when it is usually a thankless pursuit. A comrade who did not allow for the manipulation of democracy. The abuse of journalists who speak truth to power has been rife in South Africa. We need to come together as a society and stop it. A free and diverse media is what our constitution stands for and supports, this is what the media of this country should be striving for.
We support Thandeka-Gqubule!
We are Thandeka!
On this day we say let the truth prevail.
#ONGAZIMAKAZI
For more information contact:
Lazola Kati, National Communication Rights organizer: 072 956 7753
Thabo Maile, R2K KZN convener: 078 119 4257
Keolopile Moleme, R2K GP Convener: 076 145 4963
Khaya Xintolo, R2K WC convener: 078 024 1683
