SABC’s Hlaudi Motsoeneng cannot hide behind freedom of expression
Some protesters said they would be happy if Motsoeneng were to be reinstated as ‘there is chaos already in the SABC and it is not his fault’
Former SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng cannot use the right to freedom of expression to justify the remarks he made at a controversial press conference in 2017. That was the view of Anton Myburgh SC‚ counsel for the public broadcaster‚ who was presenting closing arguments on Thursday at the Commission for Conciliation‚ Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) in Johannesburg‚ where Motsoeneng is challenging his dismissal from the SABC. "Mr Motsoeneng’s right to freedom of expression is limited. He was not a member of the public. He was a senior employee of the SABC. His right [to freedom of expression] must yield to the rights of others not to be defamed‚" argued Myburgh. He also said Motsoeneng was bound by contractual stipulations and could not rely on freedom of expression as a defence for making defamatory remarks.
Motsoeneng was fired by the public broadcaster in June 2017. His dismissal followed a finding by a disciplinary committee‚ chaired by Nazeer Cassim SC‚ that he was guilty of...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.