SuperSport Commentators Accuse Broadcaster of Mistreatment
SuperSport is facing accusations of unfair treatment from football commentators who provide commentary in indigenous languages.
Allegedly, commentators broadcasting in English receive preferential treatment and certain benefits compared to their counterparts.
Supersport has been accused of mistreating indigenous commentators.
The pay-television company has freelance contracts with various football commentators for different indigenous languages, including IsiZulu, Sesotho, and Setswana.
However, starting from the current season, commentators for indigenous languages no longer broadcast live from stadiums but from the channel’s studios in Randburg.
Only English commentators and analysts are allowed to travel to stadiums.
SuperSport claims that the shift to studio broadcasting is a cost-cutting measure to reduce expenses related to flights, accommodation, and rental cars.
However, indigenous language commentators express dissatisfaction with the discriminatory treatment they receive.
While English studio presenters are provided with access cards for food purchases, indigenous language commentators are not even given water bottles in the commentary booth.
One commentator, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration
“This working arrangement is awkward and causing unnecessary division amongst us at the station.
“We are left to fend for ourselves. What puzzles many is that, according to MultiChoice survey, the indigenous languages commentaries enjoy good ratings compared to English commentary.
“But we are treated like nobodies.” the commentator would say as according to Sunday World
Furthermore, the commentators claim that new contracts offered to them in December were presented as “take it or leave it” without any opportunity for negotiation.
They also highlight differences in travel allowances, with English commentators allegedly receiving R2,500, while indigenous language commentators were not given a chance to negotiate their deals.
The issue extends to advertising endorsements, where indigenous language commentators allege they receive an unfair deal compared to others who get paid for similar endorsements.
SuperSport’s Reaction
SuperSport has remained silent on these allegations.
SuperSport have decided to keep quiet regarding the matter
Sbu Mjikeliso from SuperSport’s communications department stated:
“It is not SuperSport’s practice to comment on employee, contractor or supplier relations in public.”
Regarding claims of non-negotiable six-month contracts and disparities in advertising endorsements, SuperSport declined to provide public comments, maintaining its policy of not discussing such matters in public.
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