Marawa quits SABC Sport after getting fed up with working in an unprofessional environment (that's one of his reaons for resigning). The SABC then decides they can pull the plug on his Metro FM gig (Robert hosts a highly successful Discovery Sports Centre of Metro FM between 18h00 and 19h00 weekdays) because he's resigned to join competition in Supersport.

According to City Press Bob Mabena, head of radio at the SABC said he will be meeting with Metro FM management to conclude on Mawara's fate, and he indicated that their decision will be purely a business one.

It seems to me it's a matter of sour grapes - it seems SABC is hellbent of buying Marawa out of his contract just because he's joined competition, but as Metro FM Sports anchor I see no conflict of interest with him joining Supersport and contimuing with his brilliant show on Metro FM, especially since the SABC has Gareth Cliff (5 FM) who's also an Idols presenter on Mnet, Redi Direko on SABC3 who's also on 702, Elana Afrika (5 FM) and Mnet, the list is endless. So why should it be a big deal now that it's Marawa?

Metro FM have already lost Given Mkhari (a formidable former Metro talkshow host) and the station can't afford to lose Marawa, especially since we know their best bet (in replacing him) is the boring Thabiso Tema. The station will lose listerners who enjoy Marawa's inspiring ability to tackle any sports issue without fear and favour.

And somewhere a shrewd station manager is waiting on the SABC's decision with keen interest, and he/she (station manager of any radio station) is sure to pounce on Marawa faster than Metro FM can say "we are buying you out of your contract!".

[28 Nov 2006 15:44]

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