'SABC 4' expected to return to work today

The court yesterday ordered the public broadcaster to reinstate them.

It found the SABC acted unlawfully when dismissing the senior reporters for challenging an editorial policy on violent protests.

The SABC has since reversed its protest ban after communications authority ICASA declared it invalid and the Helen Suzman foundation obtained a court interdict.

The Labour Court yesterday also granted an interdict prohibiting the public broadcaster from initialing disciplinary hearings against the group.

Those responsible for the dismissals have five days to submit a affidavit explaining why they should not be held personally liable for the legal fees.

Solidarity warned the SABC that they would not hesitate to act if the broadcaster does not abide by the order.

Chief Executive Dirk Hermann says the Labour Relations Act is very clear on victimisation.

"We will do everything in our power to make sure that we protect them. If there's a any form of victimisation we will act very harshly," he said.

Meanwhile, the SABC says its lawyers will study the judgement.