SABC sports journalist suspended for putting minister on air

Shikwambane phoned Minister Balfour directly to ask him whether he had a hand in appointing the national soccer team's coach for a game against England. According to interview transcripts, Shikwambane first apologized for calling the minister instead of the ministry's official spokesperson. Shikwambane also told the minister that the conversation was being recorded for broadcast purposes.

Minister Balfour referred the presenter to the ministry's spokesperson before hanging up the telephone. Shikwambane contacted Graham Abraham, the ministry's spokesperson, and put the same questions to him. Abraham told Shikwambane that his questions did not make sense before hanging up the telephone. Shikwambane then opened the phone lines and listeners complained about the behaviour of the minister and his spokesperson. Some listeners suggested that the minister might have behaved in such a manner because XiTsonga listeners are marginalised by SABC. XiTsonga and Thsivenda are the only languages, out of 11 official languages, which are not catered to by the public broadcaster. The conversation with listeners and criticism of SABC and government officials are believed to have angered SABC officials and led to the presenter's suspension.

Abraham later denied that he was interviewed and that he was aware that the conversation was being recorded for broadcast. He also confirmed that he personally reported the presenter to the SABC and that there would be an inquiry into the matter.

Meanwhile, SABC officials say Shikwambane's suspension came after a complaint from a member of the public about the way the presenter handled himself on the show.