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FILE: The three suspended SABC journalists – from left Foeta Krige, Thandeka Gqubule & Suna Venter.

Johannesburg — Seven of SABC’s eight journalists have officially been fired and one’s contract was terminated, News24 confirmed yesterday.

On the heels of the dismissal of two SABC reporters yesterday, and four on Monday, another employee confirmed she was also axed.

“It was to be expected. It is par for the course. The struggle goes on,” economics editor Thandeka Gqubule told News24.

The eighth person was freelance journalist Vuyo Mvoko. His contract with the corporation was terminated.

It emerged earlier yesterday morning that the broadcaster fired Busisiwe Ntuli, a specialist producer for the investigative programme Special  Assignment, and Lukhanyo Calata, an SABC journalist in Cape Town.

Four others, Foeta Krige, Suna Venter, Krivani Pillay and Jacques Steenkamp were informed of their axing on Monday.

The public broadcaster sacked the eight for speaking out against censorship. They have approached the Constitutional Court for direct access to reverse the SABC’s decision. They were recently presented the Nat Nakasa award for fearless journalism. Krige, Venter, Pillay and Steenkamp would be approaching the Labour Court this week with their union Solidarity. Media workers’ union Bemawu said its members, Ntuli and Calata, were also approaching the court. The SABC apparently fired Ntuli and Calata for speaking to the media, Broadcasting, Electronic, Media & Allied Workers Union president Hannes du Buisson told News24.

They continued to do this and it became intolerable for the SABC, he said.

“We are proceeding to the Labour Court on an urgent basis. We are busy with the application as we speak.”

The interdict was intended to halt action against reporters pending an application before the Constitutional Court regarding the SABC’s policy to not broadcast footage of violent protests.

The Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) ruled on July 11 that the SABC had to withdraw its resolution to ban the broadcasting of violent protests. — News24.