On Special Assignment this Tuesday:
Episode Title: Aluta Continua
Date: Tuesday, 1 April, 2008
Time: 21h30
Channel: SABC 3
Special Assignment looks at the thorny issue of Freedom of Expression.
Although enshrined in the constitution, more and more employees complain that they are expected to forfeit this right in the workplace.
Local government in particular stands accused of being increasingly intolerant of freedom of expression, especially when it relates to corruption and poor management.
The story features Khaya Blaai, who was once Labour Relations Officer for the West Rand District Municipality.
He was suspended in July last year for allegedly inciting workers.
But he says at the heart of the issue is the fact that management feels threatened when challenged, particularly by union members, who are often more aware of labour law than their employers.
“We are sitting with cases where employees are even afraid to give us affidavits on certain issues that they report because of being subjected to victimisation … and the question is what has happened to freedom of expression?” he says.
The story also visits East London, where public hospitals have been the focus of several freedom of expression cases.
“The price of having principles can be enormous,” says Dr Costa Gazi, who is interviewed in the program, along with Dr Zola Ntshona, who last year entered the public spat about Frere Hospital, between the Health Minister and her deputy.
Like the public sector, the private sector can be sensitive to criticism too.
Journalist Llewellyn Kriel experienced this when he wrote a blog expressing concern about the lack of skilled reporters at the newspaper where he was employed and the struggle sub-editors had in re-writing incomprehensible copy.
Aluta Continua is produced by Jessica Pitchford.
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