“We’re Not Just Resigning—We’re Being Resigned”

ByHannes du Buisson

SABSA’s 1993 Struggle for Dignity and Due Process

In the winter of 1993, the South African Broadcasting Staff Association (SABSA) found itself navigating a storm of coercion, confusion, and constitutional contradiction. The SABC had imposed a lockout, withholding salaries from union members unless they resigned or renounced industrial action. But the fallout was far more personal—and far more political—than a simple payroll dispute.

🧨 The Lockout and Forced Resignations

Union shop stewards documented dozens of cases where staff were pressured to resign from SABSA under threat of exclusion and financial penalty. One memo from Hans-Dieter Winkens, Chairman of the Radio Park Division, captured the tone:

“We wish to formally respond to the contents of Interkom No. 62, principally to correct a number of inaccuracies… We do not consider providing our members with factual information as spreading ‘malicious rumours.’”

Staff were asked to sign resignation letters or declarations of non-participation in industrial action. Some complied under duress. Others resisted. SABSA launched a campaign to track and challenge these resignations, issuing questionnaires and withdrawal forms to affected members.

“During the lock-out… a number of SABSA members were instructed and/or encouraged by members of SABC management to resign… to obtain payment of their May salary.”

⚖️ Grievances and Legal Challenges

The union prepared for arbitration and industrial court proceedings, citing unfair labour practices and breach of the Recognition and Procedural Agreement. A declaration of dispute dated 10 June 1993 laid out the case:

“SABSA considers the matter to have both interest and rights elements… Attempts to convene a meeting appear not to be taken seriously.”

Meanwhile, individual grievances piled up. Michelle Joubert, a Senior Sales Representative, submitted a detailed complaint about lack of training, mandate, and support:

“I have never received a job description… I was told I had no right to make deals with advertisers… I was reassured, then reassigned, then re-evaluated without criteria.”

Another grievance involved Mr. N.W. Matseba, who had remained a “Learner Technical Assistant” for over a decade:

“We fail to understand how any worker can be designated a ‘Learner’ or ‘Assistant’ for more than ten years…”

🧭 Strategic Planning and Constitutional Reform

Amid the chaos, SABSA was also looking inward. Minutes from an ad hoc meeting on 10 August 1993 proposed sweeping reforms:

  • Clearer definitions of union membership and resignation procedures
  • Mandatory ballot ratification for binding agreements
  • Revisions to the Recognition and Procedural Agreement to preserve strike rights

“No SABSA reps on Labour Councils or negotiating bodies may have the power to unilaterally conclude any binding agreements…”

The union also prepared for a Relationship by Objectives (RBO) programme with the SABC, facilitated by IMSSA, to rebuild trust and address systemic breakdowns.

🗳️ The Bigger Picture

This document also includes correspondence with FEDSAL, the Department of Manpower, and the Consultative Committee on Work Permits—showing SABSA’s engagement in broader labour networks and policy debates.

And in the background, the SABC Board was crafting a new vision:

“The Corporation would be an impartial public broadcaster… responsive to the needs of the public to which it was accountable.”

But for SABSA members, accountability began with being paid fairly, treated respectfully, and heard clearly.

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