South Sudan television sacks head of English department
June 17, 2013 (JUBA) – South Sudan Television (SSTV) has sacked head of English department following internal squabbles over the policy the institution should promote, according to multiple officials at the information ministry .
The sources, some of whom are senior journalists at the official government television station, claimed that Moyiga Nduru has been removed from the post and Yusuf Michael has been appointed by the Director General for South Sudan Radio and Television, Arop Bagat.
Nduru could not confirm reports of his dismissal from the post, as he is on a foreign trip to Germany, accompanying deputy information minister, Atem Yaak Atem.
On Monday, however, John Garang, a reporter at the television told Sudan Tribune he also been sacked allegedly for objecting attempts to “frustrate and disorganize” English news service at the national television by individuals within the institution.
He said he was handed the letter signed by the director General on Friday, but declined to accept it having failed to see the legitimacy for his removal.
The TV reporter said he was dismissed from SSTV as result of his rejection of “negative attempts” to frustrate and disorganize English news service at the national TV.
“The Director of South Sudan TV, Moyiga Nduru, who has been supporting the establishment of English news desk, is also sacked to pave the way for a plan designed within the system to frustrate English news reporters and instead make the national TV a family business”, Garang said in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Monday.
He accused the director of making frivolous claims against him early this year with the national security service for broadcasting a footage showing President Salva Kiir in a gloomy face.
“I have no regret but to speak out the same truth I have been chanting even when I was in SSTV to help the national broadcasting system change”, he said.
South Sudanese information and broadcasting minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin could not be reached for a comment despite several attempts by Sudan Tribune to contact him.
(ST)