/ 10 October 1999

MAKHUBU WANTS TO SUE

FORMER Times Sunday editor Bheki Makhubu, 29, this week said he is contemplating suing his former employers, African Echo Publisher who own the Times Group of Newspapers, for unfair dismissal. “I will not let this go unchallenged,” explained Makhubu who was dismissed after he published articles referring to the Swazi King’s new fiance, Senteni Masango, as a school drop-out. About a week ago, Makhubu revealed papers he filed in the High Court of Swaziland seeking an interdict against his employers to dismiss him. The papers revealed that the Times Management offered to re-employ him in December provided he kept this as a “secret”. The deal also included his terminal benefits provided he did not resign. If he chose to resign he would have to write a letter apologising for embarrassing the Times Group of Newspapers and also acknowledge that he had committed an act of insubordination, his employers demanded. His application was dismissed with costs and his employers dismissed him in his absense.