SuperSport has fired veteran sports presenter, Robert Marawa, through an SMS that was sent to him less than two hours before the start of his show on SuperSport 4. Marawa broke the news on Thursday night via Social Media.
Marawa posted a series of tweets that insinuated that his dismissal is connected to allegations of sexual harassment within SuperSport ranks that he spoke up about.
He was previously fired from the SABC in July 2017 and later rehired, and he was previously also fired from SoccerZone on SABC1.
His current TV show bearing his name, Thursday Night Live with Marawa, is produced from SuperSport’s Randburg studios as a live broadcast on Thursdays at 20:30.
Earlier on Thursday evening, Marawa still presented his usual daily radio show Marawa Sports Worldwide on the SABC that is simulcast on both Radio 2000 and Metro FM.
I received a text around 18H50 tonight informing me that I should not bother coming to Studio for Thursday Night Live with Marawa Show on @SuperSportTV… I would like to thank all those who have supported my journey as a Sportscaster & those I've worked with at Supersport! ✌🏼✌🏼
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) May 16, 2019
“I would like to thank all those who have supported my journey as a sportscaster and those I’ve worked with at SuperSport,” he posted.
Marawa earlier alluded to unhappiness in the workplace via another tweet: “Imagine paying for a service where people who are guilty of sexual harassment are employed and encouraged to work”.
Working and reflecting….Imagine paying for a service where people who r guilty of sexual harassment r employed and encouraged to work!! Lovely hey….
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) May 16, 2019
In another message to viewers wanting to know what happened, he said: “One day u will ALL know. It will cost me my life but you will know” adding that “The Mafia! Incorporated with lackeys. An amazing story.”
Thursday night’s co-host Thato Moeng awkwardly presented the programme by herself and repeatedly told viewers that it was suddenly “the last show”. It was unclear whether she meant the end of the entire show, or the end of the show being connected to Marawa.
The pay channel commented via a statement: “SuperSport is in the process of an exciting refresh of its local presenter line-up, which will be unveiled as part of our new football season campaign”.
“This restructure includes us not pursuing our contractual relationship with Robert Marawa. Robert was personally advised of our decision earlier this week. We are grateful for his contribution over the years and wish him great success in his future endeavours.”
It’s not clear which other SuperSport presenters or programmes are getting axed.
The Mafia!! Incorporated with lackeys. An amazing story!! 👌🏽
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) May 16, 2019
However, another sports presenter, Mmaphuthi Mashamaite, took to Social Media to express her views about her personal experiences in the industry.
What did I just read? 💔
I was painted as a loose goose, a wild child…just to cover for a sexual predator at work. I had three mental breakdowns soon after. I got less bookings. I couldn't talk. I can't talk still.
But I'm tired. Even if I never work in this industry again…
— Mmaphuti Mashamaite (@Miss_Masha23) May 17, 2019
I will be okay. All I want is to make sure no girl child goes through this again. "Protect your brand", they say.
💔
— Mmaphuti Mashamaite (@Miss_Masha23) May 17, 2019
I'm a feminist through and through. But somehow, I couldn't protect and defend myself from this man 💔.
I can't stop crying. But it'll be okay.
All I want is to work and grow in this beautiful field.
— Mmaphuti Mashamaite (@Miss_Masha23) May 17, 2019
Friend, it hurts 💔. The silence has been sickening.
— Mmaphuti Mashamaite (@Miss_Masha23) May 17, 2019