By: Natasha Archary
History repeated itself this Friday when the SABC fired sports personality and TV presenter Robert Marawa for the second time, allegedly via text. The popular sports presenter was first fired by the public broadcaster in July 2017 but was then rehired to run a simulcast sports show, Marawa Sports Worldwide (MSW) on Radio 2000 and Metro FM.
He took to his social media to share the WhatsApp message he received from acting station manager Kina Nhlengethwa, just 3-hours before his show was supposed to go live.
So after serving the Public Broadcaster through time, I am sent yet another text from a person in an “acting” position informing me of this.👇🏾👇🏾
Same modus operandi as SS.What do they fear about the last Show??
Thank you Mzansi for the love & support thru the years. #MSW 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/WIoqZpbFX0
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) July 30, 2021
The statement that Nhlengethwa referred to in the text to Marawa also notified the public that the SABC was terminating the contract of fellow sports journalist Vaylen Kirtley.
“The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) would like to announce the departure of renowned sports broadcasters, Mr. Robert Marawa and Ms. Vaylen Kirtley. Robert Marawa departs following the conclusion of the MSW (Marawa Sport Worldwide), which Marawa presented on both METRO FM and Radio 2000 simultaneously,” the SABC wrote in their statement.
Robert Marawa was also dismissed from SuperSport in May 2019 via text where he was 2-hours before his show not to bother coming into work. Marawa hinted that his dismissal at SuperSport had to do with him speaking out about sexual harassment allegations within the ranks at the broadcaster.
Marawa’s dismissal at the SABC came on the same day that he won the South African Radio Award for Best Sports Show.
We bow out with honour and dignity. Thank you for being part of our journey. #MSW @robertmarawa pic.twitter.com/mCYBYuxzq7
— Marawa Sport Worldwide (@MarawaSportShow) July 30, 2021
Many South Africans were outraged at Marawa’s dismissal, including Kaya Drive show host Sizwe Dhlomo who sent a tweet to the broadcasting giant in support.
Baba….Umkhulu wena!! ✊🏾
Sizokhuluma!! https://t.co/Ix5bUPjUry
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) July 30, 2021
Appreciated Mr President!!
The cabal reigns supreme but we always wish them a Merry Xmas!!
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) July 30, 2021
Gauteng MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi also shared his message of support with Marawa telling him to remain strong and that ‘their’ day will come.
Appreciated Mr President!!
The cabal reigns supreme but we always wish them a Merry Xmas!!
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) July 30, 2021
In other countries radio and TV executives would go on their knees just to get @robertmarawa working for them coz he is REAL CLASS but in his country SA he is treated as a tool which can be thrown away by jealousy people, u can’t keep a good man down
— Sharuko On Saturday (@Chakariboy) July 30, 2021
Also read: RIP: Shona Ferguson has passed away



