SABC news anchor Desiree Chauke was in tears on Wednesday as she spoke about the public broadcaster's retrenchments during a news bulletin.
31 March marked the last day of service for over 600 SABC employees.
According to SABC News, in a notice sent to staff on Tuesday, the broadcaster confirmed that it had concluded its section 189 retrenchment process, with plans of transitioning to a new structure on Thursday, 1 April.
In a clip shared on social media, Desiree is seen presenting a bulletin on the retrenchments before tearing up and asking producers to "take a break".
"I apologise, I'm not able to finish this link. Can I ask our producers to take a break?" the anchor asks.
I am so sorry @DesireeChauke. Get strength and this shall come to pass too. #SABCRetrenchments pic.twitter.com/flmtcB84M4
— Toto Matshediso (@toto_matshediso) March 31, 2021
Following the broadcast, Desiree received an outpouring of support from viewers.
Taking to her Twitter account on Thursday morning, she wrote: "Morning everyone. Thanks for the sweet messages. I'm grateful to still be employed while many of my very capable colleagues face an uncertain future. We're all in this together."
Morning everyone. Thanks for the sweet messages. I’m grateful to still be employed while many of my very capable colleagues face an uncertain future. We’re all in this together
— Desiree Chauke (@DesireeChauke) April 1, 2021