Tuesday, 29 September 2009

Rediffusion

We urge all our members to not attend the rediffusion scheduled for Thursday in protest of the unlawful suspension of Mike Namane, a BEMAWU NEC member who was suspended for asking a question during the previous rediffusion.

In question time, Mike Namane from the Freestate Region asked a hypothetical question about a possible transgression of the Delegation of Authority framework. He was suspended for that.

The Chairperson of the Board and the Acting GCE did nothing to stop this unlawful suspension and victimisation of an union official.

If you really want to attend, please do not ask any questions. The most innocent question can result in your suspension.

Suspensions

Rumor has it that the SABC has suspended at least three Board members and a senior manager. We welcome this step in the right direction and trust the Board will clean out the SABC from all managers implicated in the Auditor General’s report.

There are several other audits done by the Internal Audit Department waiting for action to be taken on.



Wednesday, 23 September 2009

AG REPORT

Mike Namane, a senior union official was suspended for asking a hypothetical question in respect of the continues breach by Senior and Top Management of the Delegation of Authority policy. Chris Breytenbach was dismissed for taking six cans of Coke.

Madam Chairperson of the SABC Board, please start suspending Top and Senior Management. If you fail to do so, you will be failing your fiduciary duties too.

The AG report is shocking to put it mildly.

We are planning some action.

Tuesday, 22 September 2009

BEMAWU official suspended

BEMAWU National Executive Member Mike Namane has been suspended by Vincent Tsoenyane, SABC Freestate Regional Manager for asking a question in a meeting.

Irene, Gab and Phumelele, why are you managing the SABC by fear? The question Mike Namane asked was effectively whistle blowing. He asked a hypothetical question in respect of the Delegation of Authority document. Instead of picking up on that and asking the Auditor General to follow up, you allowed Tsoenyane to suspend him.

You are not serious about whistle blowing, are you? You are equally not serious about so-called First Citizen rights, are you?

After this, do you think any employee will ever ask a question again in an open meeting?

This is called management by fear.

Wednesday, 16 September 2009

Bloemfontein Meeting

Dear Keobokile,

We requested and received permission to held a general meeting in Bloemfontein today at 13:00. We have incurred costs to travel to Bloemfontein only to be informed when we arrived here that the meeting has been cancelled by Vincent Tsoenyane.

We hereby request that you honor your word and arrange for this meeting to proceed today, at 13:00 as agreed.

Employees are entitled to attend this meeting in their lunchtime. Should you not arrange for a venue inside the SABC, we will continue with the meeting outside the SABC.

Sincerely

Hannes du Buisson

FREESTATE UPDATE

Vincent Tsoenyane has unilaterally cancelled the meeting scheduled and agreed to by Employee Relations for today. If we don't get a venue inside the SABC, we will meet outside the SABC in the street in your lunchtime. Media welcome to attend to hear the grievances of SABC BLOEMFONTEIN.
Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom!

Tuesday, 15 September 2009

FREESTATE GENERAL MEETING

BEMAWU, CWU and MWASA members in the Freestate Region currently experience unprecedented and severe harassment from management of that region.

Organized Labour (BEMAWU, CWU and MWASA) leadership will be in Bloemfontein tomorrow to listen to grievances and complaints of members.

A general meeting has been scheduled for 13:00 tomorrow in Bloemfontein.

We urge members of all three unions to attend the meeting. Venue will be confirmed.
Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom!

Friday, 11 September 2009

LEAVE

Once again, clarification of the leave policy of the SABC.

Employees employed before 31 December 1999 will have “old leave days pool”. This leave can no longer accumulate and what you have accumulated to date will remain. It cannot be taken away or you cannot be forced to take it and you can never forfeit it. It can only be reduced in accordance with the Policy, which will be :
  • The sale of these leave days at the basic salary rate irrespective of the amount of leave days to be converted
  • To make good any shortfall in the new leave days pool

All employees will have “new leave days pool”.

This leave is capped to 90 days. All leave exceeding 90 days can be forfeited if not taken.

Compulsory leave cannot be accumulated, and if not taken, will be forfeited. However, if you have applied for yhe taking of compulsory leave, and that application was turned down, you cannot forfeit it.

So, for example:

  • You can have 10 000 days “old pool” leave days, and this cannot be reduced by any other means but to sell it or take it, as and when you want to sell or take it, and not by illegal instruction from the Interim Board.  
  • You can, at the same time have 90 days leave in your new pool, and you cannot be forced to sell or take this leave, and you cannot forfeit it. More than 90 days in this pool must be taken or forfeited.
  • If you have days in your compulsory leave pool, it must be taken or it can be forfeited.

The 10 days story going around is a flight of managements imagination. Steur jou nie daaraan nie.



Thursday, 10 September 2009

CCMA DATE FOR SALARY DISPUTE 130 and above

The dispute in respect of the 5% increase given to BEMAWU members on 130 scale and above has been set down for conciliation at the CCMA on 30 September 2009.

Wednesday, 09 September 2009

Re: UNFAIR SUSPENSION - BEMAWU OFFICIAL

Dear Keobokile,

Pardon the little frustration that may filter through here and there in my letter.

We are astounded, shocked and extremely worried about your understanding of Labour Law. The consultation between your office and my office is most definitely not restricted  to Collective Bargaining. Collective bargaining is not a consultative process. It is a negotiations process. There is a vast difference between the two. You are furthermore what appears to be shortsighted if you believe that by unfairly and unprocedurally suspending union officials would not affect the Corporation.  We will not allow management to victimise our office bearers, not now and never!

You have not properly responded to our previous e-mails. I am referring to “We are still awaiting your reply to our previous letter in respect of the grievance.”
I am referring to you, your Department being the custodians of all SABC Policies, turning a blind eye when it comes to management in breach of policies, like Tsoenyane/Morobe in breach of the Grievance Procedure policy by not hearing Mr Namane’s grievance within 3 days, as per the policy, but when ordinary employees did nothing wrong, you collaborate to suspend them unprocedurally and unfairly.

Your understanding of consultation in terms of Schedule 8 is clearly incorrect. It has in the past always took place between my office and your office, with the line manager present. There was never an HR person involved.
This is not a normal suspension, there is a trade union official, an NEC member involved and you have to consult in terms of Schedule 8 of the Act!.

This is a consultation prior to the suspension, and only thereafter there is supposed to be a meeting where the suspension is supposed to take place. It is clear that you are trying to pay lip service to the Act and that a decision to suspend Mr Namae has already been taken. You just want to deal with the formalities.

It is clear that you will never change your stance, no matter what we say to you. We foresee extreme difficulty to have and build a relationship with you, as you are, and always will take the side of the employer, no matter what. Good luck with that attitude. See how long we will have labour peace in the organisation. Keep on turning a blind eye to victimisation of union officials, and see what its going to do to the SABC. You are not now dealing with unschooled workers cleaning dust bins.

Aluta Continua!

Hannes du Buisson
President : BEMAWU



On 2009/09/0In the 9 12:12 PM, "Keobokile Mosweu" <MosweuKE@sabc.co.za> wrote:

Dear Hannes
 
I have previously responded to your emails about this issue. This serves as a further clarity on your concerns:
 
  1. My understanding is that consultation is done between the line manager, assisted by the HR representative in that business area and the trade union of the employee. The consultation that requires your office and my office is done when dealing with collective bargaining issues or issues that affect the Corporation as a whole and not on issues that can otherwise be dealt with at plant level, with minimal interference from me.

  1. I advised that the consultation meeting be scheduled in Bloemfontein because both the line manager and the employee are based there. This will prevent fruitless and wasteful expenditure which I believe you are also concerned about.

  1. I do not intend to deal with the merits or the demerits of the matter in terms of whether there is victimization or not. There is an opportunity for you to table these issues at the said meeting and will also include them as part of the employee’s representation as such.

  1. It also seems inappropriate for us to refer to the matter as “Unfair Suspension” because the matter is still at a consultation phase and the outcome of this process cannot be preempted.

  1. Lastly, I humbly request that you attend the meeting, or at least send someone to attend on behalf of your member with a view to finding a speedy resolution.

 
 
I hope this clarifies the position of ER on this matter.
 
Regards
 
Keobokile Mosweu


From: BEMAWU HEADOFFICE [mailto:headoffice@bemawu.org.za]
Sent: 09 September 2009 11:32 AM
To: Keobokile Mosweu
Cc: Mike Namane; Vincent Tsoenyane; Kobus Potgieter; Phumelele Nzimande; Irene Charnley; Suzanne Vos; Gab Mampone
Subject: UNFAIR SUSPENSION - BEMAWU OFFICIAL

Dear Keobokile,

Why have you not responded to my questions below?

The consultation must take place between my office and your office, not with Tsoenyane and in Bloemfontein.

I am involved with the SABC for the better part of 20 years now. Not once did any consultation took place in the region, but without exception at head office.

Urgently respond to our questions below, and our request that the consultation be scheduled in Johannesburg.

We once again submit to you that the intended suspension is nothing but union bashing and victimisation from Tsoenyane, because Mr. Namane is an union official, he blew the whistle on irregularities in that region and mainly because he filed a grievance against Tsoenyane . There are absolutely no grounds to suspend him. If there were any grounds and urgency to suspend him, why did Tsoenyane refused to meet last week and why only now, weeks after the meeting?

We furthermore request your and Top management’s intervention in this matter, as a matter of urgency to protect the SABC and it’s resources against further fruitless and wasteful expenditure. Should this suspension continue, particularly under these circumstances, BEMAWU will bring an urgent application in the Labour Court to stop this senseless suspension, obviously at the SABC’s cost. How can a person be suspended for asking questions in a rediffusion after being invited to ask questions?

Sincerely,

Hannes du Buisson
President : BEMAWU


On 2009/09/08 9:04 AM, "Keobokile Mosweu" <MosweuKE@sabc.co.za> wrote:
Dear Hannes
 
Vincent has consulted with the ER department on this matter and we are in agreement that the proposed meeting should be conducted in Bloemfontein.
 
Regards
 
Keobokile Mosweu



From: BEMAWU HEADOFFICE [mailto:headoffice@bemawu.org.za]
Sent: 03 September 2009 15:31 PM
To: Keobokile Mosweu
Cc: Mike Namane; Vincent Tsoenyane
Subject: FW: Confirmation: Meeting Postponement
Importance: High

Dear Keobokile,

We would once again like to put on record that the actions by Tsoenyane against one of our National Executive Members of BEMAWU is nothing but sheer victimisation because he is a union member. The SABC is about to spent again lots of money, which will be fruitless and wasteful expenditure.

This meeting that Vincent Tsoenyane is trying to arrange, must be organised by your Department. You have requested that all correspondence go via your office. Same must then apply to management, and Tsoenyane.

Could you kindly, but urgently intervene and schedule the meeting in Jhb, as is custom and practice.

We are still awaiting your reply to our previous letter in respect of the grievance.

Sincerely,
 
Hannes du Buisson
President
BEMAWU
Cell. 0829208669
Fax 0866715585
Tel. 012 6537380
Blog http://bemawu.blogspot.com


------ Forwarded Message
From: Mike Namane <namanesm@sabc.co.za>
Date: Thu, 3 Sep 2009 14:52:40 +0200
To: Hannes du Buisson <headoffice@bemawu.org.za>
Cc: Vincent Tsoenyane <tsoenyanetv@sabc.co.za>
Subject: FW: Confirmation: Meeting Postponement

Fly.
 

Mike Namane
Supervisor: Production Services
(:     051 503 3085
Ê:     051 503 3021
(:     
073 206 0279/071 708 2044
8:     namanesm@sabc.co.za <mailto:namanesm@sabc.co.za>
::     www.rbf.sabc.co.za <http://www.rbf.sabc.co.za/>
*:    M. Namane, P O Box 563,
BFN 9300




From: Vincent Tsoenyane
Sent: 03 September 2009 14:40
To: Mike Namane
Cc: 'BEMAWU HEADOFFICE'; Kobus Potgieter
Subject: RE: Confirmation: Meeting Postponement
Importance: High

Dear Namane,
 
The correspondence below refers.
 
This is the final arrangement to inform you that I am now scheduling a meeting and the following are details:-
 
¢     Date: 7th September 2009
¢     Time: 10:00
¢     Venue: SABC Building Bloemfontein, the Boardroom on the 1st Floor
 
Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me.
 
Kind Regards,


Thabang Vincent Tsoenyane| SABC Limited
RGM: Free State & Northern Cape Region
Tel: +27 (51) 503 3200| Fax: +27 (51) 503 3264| Mobile +27 (72) 697 6375
P O Box 563, Bloemfontein, 9301, Free State, South Africa
E-mail:
tsoenyanetv@sabc.co.za <mailto:tsoenyanetv@sabc.co.za>


From: Mike Namane
Sent: 31 August 2009 13:06
To: 'BEMAWU HEADOFFICE'
Cc: Vincent Tsoenyane
Subject: FW: Confirmation: Meeting Postponement

Fly.
 

Mike Namane
Supervisor: Production Services
(:     051 503 3085
Ê:     051 503 3021
(:     
073 206 0279/071 708 2044
8:     namanesm@sabc.co.za <mailto:namanesm@sabc.co.za>
::     www.rbf.sabc.co.za <http://www.rbf.sabc.co.za/>
*:    M. Namane, P O Box 563,
BFN 9300



From: Vincent Tsoenyane
Sent: 31 August 2009 12:53
To: Mike Namane
Cc: 'BEMAWU HEADOFFICE'
Subject: RE: Confirmation: Meeting Postponement

Dear Mike,
 
My attached e-mail refers. This is a reminder that I am still waiting for a response on the possible dates for the meeting.
 
Regards,
 

Thabang Vincent Tsoenyane| SABC Limited
RGM: Free State & Northern Cape Region
Tel: +27 (51) 503 3200| Fax: +27 (51) 503 3264| Mobile +27 (72) 697 6375
P O Box 563, Bloemfontein, 9301, Free State, South Africa
E-mail:
tsoenyanetv@sabc.co.za <mailto:tsoenyanetv@sabc.co.za>


From: Vincent Tsoenyane
Sent: 28 August 2009 15:25
To: Mike Namane
Cc: Kobus Potgieter
Subject: Confirmation: Meeting Postponement
Importance: High

Dear Namane,
 
My discussion with Kobus Potgieter this afternoon refers.
 
This is to confirm that we have agreed to the postponement of the meeting mentioned in my correspondence to you. Kindly suggest two possible dates, preferably not in the coming week because of my busy schedule.
 
I hope the above is in order, should you require further clarity please do not hesitate to contact me.
 
Regards,
 
 
Thabang Vincent Tsoenyane|
SABC Limited
RGM: Free State & Northern Cape Region
Tel: +27 (51) 503 3200| Fax: +27 (51) 503 3264| Mobile +27 (72) 697 6375
P O Box 563, Bloemfontein, 9301, Free State, South Africa
E-mail:
tsoenyanetv@sabc.co.za <mailto:tsoenyanetv@sabc.co.za>

  

<hr size=2 width="100%" align=center>



Disclaimer: Everything in this email and its attachments relating to the official business of the SABC is proprietary to the SABC. If the email is used other than for official business of the SABC or the views and opinions expressed in the email are not authorised by the SABC, the views and opinions expressed are those of the individual sending the email.
The content of this email is confidential, legally privileged and protected by law. The person addressed in the email is the sole authorised recipient. Please notify the sender immediately if this email and its attachments have unintentionally reached you; do not read, copy, disseminate or use the content in any way and delete the email and any copies of it.
Whilst all reasonable precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the information, and that this email and its attachments are free from any virus, the SABC accepts no liability however arising or responsibility whatsoever in this regard, and in keeping with good computing practice, the scanning of files and attachments is advised.



------ End of Forwarded Message





Hannes du Buisson
President
BEMAWU
Cell. 0829208669
Fax 0866715585
Tel. 012 6537380
Blog http://bemawu.blogspot.com

UNFAIR SUSPENSION - BEMAWU OFFICIAL

Dear Keobokile,

Why have you not responded to my questions below?

The consultation must take place between my office and your office, not with Tsoenyane and in Bloemfontein.

I am involved with the SABC for the better part of 20 years now. Not once did any consultation took place in the region, but without exception at head office.

Urgently respond to our questions below, and our request that the consultation be scheduled in Johannesburg.

We once again submit to you that the intended suspension is nothing but union bashing and victimisation from Tsoenyane, because Mr. Namane is an union official, he blew the whistle on irregularities in that region and mainly because he filed a grievance against Tsoenyane . There are absolutely no grounds to suspend him. If there were any grounds and urgency to suspend him, why did Tsoenyane refused to meet last week and why only now, weeks after the meeting?

We furthermore request your and Top management’s intervention in this matter, as a matter of urgency to protect the SABC and it’s resources against further fruitless and wasteful expenditure. Should this suspension continue, particularly under these circumstances, BEMAWU will bring an urgent application in the Labour Court to stop this senseless suspension, obviously at the SABC’s cost. How can a person be suspended for asking questions in a rediffusion after being invited to ask questions?

Sincerely,

Hannes du Buisson
President : BEMAWU


On 2009/09/08 9:04 AM, "Keobokile Mosweu" <MosweuKE@sabc.co.za> wrote:

Dear Hannes
 
Vincent has consulted with the ER department on this matter and we are in agreement that the proposed meeting should be conducted in Bloemfontein.
 
Regards
 
Keobokile Mosweu


From: BEMAWU HEADOFFICE [mailto:headoffice@bemawu.org.za]
Sent: 03 September 2009 15:31 PM
To: Keobokile Mosweu
Cc: Mike Namane; Vincent Tsoenyane
Subject: FW: Confirmation: Meeting Postponement
Importance: High

Dear Keobokile,

We would once again like to put on record that the actions by Tsoenyane against one of our National Executive Members of BEMAWU is nothing but sheer victimisation because he is a union member. The SABC is about to spent again lots of money, which will be fruitless and wasteful expenditure.

This meeting that Vincent Tsoenyane is trying to arrange, must be organised by your Department. You have requested that all correspondence go via your office. Same must then apply to management, and Tsoenyane.

Could you kindly, but urgently intervene and schedule the meeting in Jhb, as is custom and practice.

We are still awaiting your reply to our previous letter in respect of the grievance.

Sincerely,
 
Hannes du Buisson
President
BEMAWU
Cell. 0829208669
Fax 0866715585
Tel. 012 6537380
Blog http://bemawu.blogspot.com


------ Forwarded Message
From: Mike Namane <namanesm@sabc.co.za>
Date: Thu, 3 Sep 2009 14:52:40 +0200
To: Hannes du Buisson <headoffice@bemawu.org.za>
Cc: Vincent Tsoenyane <tsoenyanetv@sabc.co.za>
Subject: FW: Confirmation: Meeting Postponement

Fly.
 

Mike Namane
Supervisor: Production Services
(:     051 503 3085
Ê:     051 503 3021
(:     
073 206 0279/071 708 2044
8:     namanesm@sabc.co.za <mailto:namanesm@sabc.co.za>
::     www.rbf.sabc.co.za <http://www.rbf.sabc.co.za/>
*:    M. Namane, P O Box 563,
BFN 9300



From: Vincent Tsoenyane
Sent: 03 September 2009 14:40
To: Mike Namane
Cc: 'BEMAWU HEADOFFICE'; Kobus Potgieter
Subject: RE: Confirmation: Meeting Postponement
Importance: High

Dear Namane,
 
The correspondence below refers.
 
This is the final arrangement to inform you that I am now scheduling a meeting and the following are details:-
 
¢     Date: 7th September 2009
¢     Time: 10:00
¢     Venue: SABC Building Bloemfontein, the Boardroom on the 1st Floor
 
Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me.
 
Kind Regards,


Thabang Vincent Tsoenyane| SABC Limited
RGM: Free State & Northern Cape Region
Tel: +27 (51) 503 3200| Fax: +27 (51) 503 3264| Mobile +27 (72) 697 6375
P O Box 563, Bloemfontein, 9301, Free State, South Africa
E-mail:
tsoenyanetv@sabc.co.za <mailto:tsoenyanetv@sabc.co.za>


From: Mike Namane
Sent: 31 August 2009 13:06
To: 'BEMAWU HEADOFFICE'
Cc: Vincent Tsoenyane
Subject: FW: Confirmation: Meeting Postponement

Fly.
 

Mike Namane
Supervisor: Production Services
(:     051 503 3085
Ê:     051 503 3021
(:     
073 206 0279/071 708 2044
8:     namanesm@sabc.co.za <mailto:namanesm@sabc.co.za>
::     www.rbf.sabc.co.za <http://www.rbf.sabc.co.za/>
*:    M. Namane, P O Box 563,
BFN 9300



From: Vincent Tsoenyane
Sent: 31 August 2009 12:53
To: Mike Namane
Cc: 'BEMAWU HEADOFFICE'
Subject: RE: Confirmation: Meeting Postponement

Dear Mike,
 
My attached e-mail refers. This is a reminder that I am still waiting for a response on the possible dates for the meeting.
 
Regards,
 

Thabang Vincent Tsoenyane| SABC Limited
RGM: Free State & Northern Cape Region
Tel: +27 (51) 503 3200| Fax: +27 (51) 503 3264| Mobile +27 (72) 697 6375
P O Box 563, Bloemfontein, 9301, Free State, South Africa
E-mail:
tsoenyanetv@sabc.co.za <mailto:tsoenyanetv@sabc.co.za>


From: Vincent Tsoenyane
Sent: 28 August 2009 15:25
To: Mike Namane
Cc: Kobus Potgieter
Subject: Confirmation: Meeting Postponement
Importance: High

Dear Namane,
 
My discussion with Kobus Potgieter this afternoon refers.
 
This is to confirm that we have agreed to the postponement of the meeting mentioned in my correspondence to you. Kindly suggest two possible dates, preferably not in the coming week because of my busy schedule.
 
I hope the above is in order, should you require further clarity please do not hesitate to contact me.
 
Regards,
 
 
Thabang Vincent Tsoenyane|
SABC Limited
RGM: Free State & Northern Cape Region
Tel: +27 (51) 503 3200| Fax: +27 (51) 503 3264| Mobile +27 (72) 697 6375
P O Box 563, Bloemfontein, 9301, Free State, South Africa
E-mail:
tsoenyanetv@sabc.co.za <mailto:tsoenyanetv@sabc.co.za>

  

<hr size=2 width="100%" align=center>


Disclaimer: Everything in this email and its attachments relating to the official business of the SABC is proprietary to the SABC. If the email is used other than for official business of the SABC or the views and opinions expressed in the email are not authorised by the SABC, the views and opinions expressed are those of the individual sending the email.
The content of this email is confidential, legally privileged and protected by law. The person addressed in the email is the sole authorised recipient. Please notify the sender immediately if this email and its attachments have unintentionally reached you; do not read, copy, disseminate or use the content in any way and delete the email and any copies of it.
Whilst all reasonable precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the information, and that this email and its attachments are free from any virus, the SABC accepts no liability however arising or responsibility whatsoever in this regard, and in keeping with good computing practice, the scanning of files and attachments is advised.



------ End of Forwarded Message




Monday, 07 September 2009

Lotus FM Station Manager resigned

Lotus FM Station Manager, Ms Gail Samuels, who on Friday received correspondence from the SABC to suspend her for allegations relating to her qualifications, has resigned from the SABC.

Thursday, 03 September 2009

Letter to SABC re LEAVE





































































SABC put on terms re Leave

BEMAWU's attorneys today served notice on the Chairperson of the Board to withdraw the unlawful instruction to reduce accumulated leave or else BEMAWU will bring an application on behalf of our members.

Tuesday, 01 September 2009

LEAVE UPDATE

BEMAWU has referred the Leave issue to our lawyers, who are in the process of putting the SABC on terms. Should the SABC not confirm that their instruction to reduce leave is unlawful and same is withdrawn, we will proceed with a Labour Court application.

Salary dispute with SABC re 5%

BEMAWU today filed a dispute with the CCMA in respect of the 5% increase received by our members who are not part of the so-called bargaining unit. After being requested to start negotiations with the SABC on behalf of those members, the SABC simply cancelled the meeting scheduled and refused to reschedule a meeting.

We believe it is unfair discrimination and the matter will ultimately proceed to the Labour Court after conciliation.