An incorrectly programmed human resources system has led to several SABC fixed-term contract employees getting zero salaries following extensive deductions.
The error has seen a number of SABC employees across all regions getting more leave than what was due to them for four years. The error was only picked up this year, which led the public broadcaster to deducting employees' salaries this month.
In a letter that Sowetan has seen which was sent to employees on April 9, the SABC indicated that the leave IT system had erroneously not calculated Saturdays and Sundays which had fallen within an employee's period of leave as taken as part of an employee's leave and that this has been the case since 2017.
"It has been established that owing to a SAP configuration in April 2017, weekend leave days have been included in leave deductions for fixed-term contracts employees... the system configuration was corrected in March 2021 and your leave balance updated accordingly," the letter stated.
The error has now led to some employees owing the SABC lots of money which was deducted from their April salaries.
Some employees received payslips, which Sowetan has seen, that showed negative amounts, meaning they still owe the public broadcaster.
An affected employee who is a single parent said she would not be able to afford to pay rent or buy food for her children as more than half her salary was deducted.
The deductions have forced unions to consider taking legal action to force the SABC to rectify the affected employees' salaries with immediate effect.
SABC spokesperson Mmoni Seapolelo said they were "in the process of correcting a leave anomaly, dating back to 2017" and that this is meant to ensure the accurate implementation of its personnel regulations.
"This anomaly is affecting a very small percentage of our employees in a specific category only. Internal communication has and continues to take place with the affected employees," Seapolelo said.
Broadcasting, Electronic, Media and Allied Workers Union president Hannes du Buisson said this was shocking.
"This is indicative of a management that does not care about its employees "
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.