Jacquie Golding-Duffy
Seven of the eight charges brought against the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) general manager of television programme policy, planning and co- production, Melanie Chait, have been dropped.
However, an SABC spokesman said Chait had received a written warning in connection with the eighth charge, which was “insubordination”, and was upheld.
Chait was taken before a disciplinary hearing by television head Jill Chisholm two weeks ago, for staying in London three days longer than anticipated.
However, it is believed that Chisholm signed for Chait’s five days leave although she initially wanted her to take only two days.
The charge of “insubordination” is apparently pegged to Chait’s disagreement with Chisholm over these days.
According to insiders, Chait was on SABC business in London in a bid to forge relations with British producers, among other things.
An SABC spokesman said Chait is appealing against the charge because she believes it would not have been possible to achieve what she had to in only two days abroad. “It seems like everything except sexual harassment was thrown at Melanie,” said one insider.
It also emerged that Chait was not approached and the allegations were not discussed prior to her appearing before the disciplinary hearing – which is not in line with the recommended labour relations procedures.
Requests by Chait and her lawyers to have the disciplinary hearing panel members changed were denied.
Precedent at the SABC dictates that “equals or seniors” preside over disciplinary hearings.
In Chait’s instance, there were some juniors presiding over the hearing.