SABC journalists implicated in tender cover-up

Two senior SABC political journalists have been accused of colluding with Ekurhuleni metro mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza and senior municipal officials to scupper reporting on alleged corruption, nepotism and tender irregularities in the metro.

- Sipho Mabena

The explosive allegations are contained in a formal complaint addressed to SABC board chair Khatutshelo Ramukumba on Tuesday - and copied Presidency - the department of communications and the South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef).

According to the complaint, the journalists, who report directly to SABC political editor Mzwandile Mbeje, are allegedly leveraging their newsroom influence to shield Xhakaza from scrutiny in exchange for municipal communications tenders.

The letter, signed off as from "Concerned Civic Organisations and Workers of Ekurhuleni, Ekurhuleni Business Chamber, City of Ekurhuleni disgruntled workers living in fear" alleges that the duo's companies were strategically positioned within the metro's communications structure, effectively trading coverage for business advantage.