Noxolo Grootboom will not be joining eNCA.
The local news channel kept everyone guessing on Thursday morning when they announced in a fake tweet that the veteran anchor would be joining their team.
"Veteran news anchor, Noxolo Grootboom is joining eNCA. The anchor, who retired from the public broadcaster after 37 years, will form part of our new anchor line-up," eNCA tweeted, but many followers were sceptical from the start.
Veteran news anchor, Noxolo Grootboom is joining eNCA. The anchor, who retired from the public broadcaster after 37 years, will form part of our new anchor line-up. Grootboom delivered her final broadcast on the SABC's isiXhosa news on Tuesday night. Courtesy #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/5C6eoF8AiL
— eNCA (@eNCA) April 1, 2021
Following an interview with Noxolo on the channel, it was still unclear whether or not the news was real, with both Shahan Ramkissoon and Noxolo playing along till the end.
"It is a congratulations and a possible welcome to the family," he said as he wrapped up the talk with Noxolo.
In a tweet that followed later on Thursday, the channel then revealed that the announcement was indeed a prank for April Fool's Day.
"Were you pranked? News anchor Noxolo Grootboom will NOT really be joining eNCA. Happy April Fool's Day."
While some Twitter users laughed off the prank, many were not impressed by the stunt in light of the seriousness of the current situation at the SABC.
31 March marked the last day of service for over 600 SABC employees. The public broadcaster confirmed that it had concluded its section 189 retrenchment process, with plans of transitioning to a new structure on Thursday, 1 April.
Noxolo said an emotional goodbye to SABC News on Tuesday after 37 years with the public broadcaster.
Were you pranked? News anchor Noxolo Grootboom will NOT really be joining eNCA. Happy April Fool’s Day. https://t.co/XaFxGLhmIz
— eNCA (@eNCA) April 1, 2021