Siphiwe Mkhonza, a former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs defender, may lose his job as a soccer analyst for SABC due to alleged absenteeism.
According to Sunday World, the sports department of the public broadcaster has sent an e-mail to Mkhonza, informing him of his possible dismissal after he allegedly failed to show up for work without a valid reason.
The SABC’s top management is reportedly unhappy with Mkhonza’s alleged unprofessionalism, despite his valuable contribution to the soccer analysis.
Three weeks ago, Mkhonza, who regularly appears on the Monday night Soccer Zone show, was missing in action.
The show producers had to scramble to find a replacement at the last minute. They managed to get Mark Haskins, another analyst, to fill in the gap.
A reliable source at the SABC headquarters in Auckland Park, Johannesburg, said: “Siphiwe is the only one to blame for his termination.
“He was well-liked by everyone at the studio for his charisma and insightful analysis, but he ruined it with his lies. He was unreachable when they called him.
“He would call back very late, saying he was busy with a medical operation.
“He has been told via e-mail that if he does not hear from the sports desk, he should assume that his services are no longer required.
A close friend of Mkhonza said: “He missed out on an opportunity to earn more money with the Afcon [Africa Cup of Nations] tournament that is currently taking place in Ivory Coast.
“This money would have helped him with his financial situation.”
The SABC Sports panel of analysts includes Itumeleng Khune, Bernard Parker, Willard Katsande, Steve Komphela, Manqoba Mngqithi, Esrom Nyandoro, Simphiwe Dludlu, and Thabo Senong, among others.
Mkhonza joined SABC Sports in 2013, making his debut on Laduma before moving to Soccer Zone.
Mkhonza could not be reached for a comment. The story will be updated once he responds.
Mmoni Seapolelo, the acting group executive for corporate affairs and marketing at the SABC, said: “The SABC can confirm Siphiwe Mkhonza is still under contract with the corporation’s sports department, and as a matter of principle, we are not in any position to discuss the employment contracts of our employees and independent contractors in the public space.”
