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eNCA plans major restructuring as 171 jobs face retrenchment
ZA💼 BusinessCenter9 hr. ago

eNCA plans major restructuring as 171 jobs face retrenchment

eNCA, a South African 24-hour news channel, is undergoing significant restructuring that could lead to the retrenchment of up to 171 employees, or over half of its workforce. The restructuring aims to transition from a traditional newsroom model to a digital-first approach, focusing on multi-platform operations including television, online, and digital platforms. This change is driven by shifting audience consumption habits and declining traditional TV viewership. The company emphasized the need to reduce duplication, streamline workflows, and improve resource efficiency. While no final decisions have been made, a Section 189 consultation process began, with retrenchments potentially taking effect by December 1. Employees facing retrenchment would receive severance packages based on years of service, though those refusing alternative employment offers would not qualify.

South Africa’s 24-hour news channel eNCA has announced a major restructuring plan that could see over half of its 309 employees retrenched. According to reports, 171 workers have been identified as potentially affected by a formal consultation process under Section 189 of South African labor law, which is set to begin on Wednesday. Staff were notified on Tuesday that they must report to eMedia’s offices at noon on Wednesday to initiate the process. The move comes amid efforts to shift from a traditional newsroom model to a digital-first approach, reflecting broader industry trends and declining television viewership. The restructuring is part of a strategic overhaul intended to align eNCA with evolving media consumption habits. Notices signed by eNCA Managing Director Norman Munzhelele indicate that the current setup, based on conventional television newsroom structures, is deemed unsustainable in today’s rapidly changing media landscape. The company aims to create a more streamlined, integrated newsroom centered on digital operations, supporting simultaneous content delivery across television, online, and other digital platforms. This transformation is described as essential to eliminate redundancies, improve workflow efficiency, and optimize resource allocation. According to internal documents obtained by the Sunday Times, eNCA argues that its existing staffing model fails to meet the demands of a multi-platform environment. The proposed changes seek to foster “more efficient workflows, greater platform integration, and a more effective deployment of resources,” all while maintaining editorial quality. The company emphasized that the restructuring is not yet finalized and that no definitive decisions have been made regarding retrenchments. Employees will participate in consultations covering potential job losses, restructuring proposals, selection criteria, and severance arrangements. In preparation for the consultation, some staff have already been evaluated for alternative roles within the organization where feasible. Additionally, the company has paused the renewal of fixed-term and freelance contracts. The Section 189 process is anticipated to last until the end of November, with any retrenchments scheduled to take place starting 1 December. Those retrenched will be eligible for severance payments amounting to 1.5 weeks’ salary per year of service. However, individuals who reject offers of alternative employment from the company will not qualify for such compensation. The restructuring announcement follows recent financial disclosures by eMedia, the parent company of eNCA, e.tv, OpenView, and eVOD. These disclosures reveal that eMedia Group CEO Khalik Sherrif earned R19 million in the 2025 financial year, including a R10.3 million bonus. Meanwhile, the lowest-paid employee received R98,000 annually. The group reported total revenue of R3 billion and a net profit of R299.5 million. These figures highlight the financial context against which the restructuring is being implemented. The decision to restructure reflects broader challenges faced by traditional media organizations globally, as audiences increasingly turn to digital platforms for news. For eNCA, adapting to these shifts involves not just technological upgrades but also a fundamental realignment of its operational framework. While the company maintains that the changes are necessary for long-term sustainability, the impact on its workforce remains a critical concern. The consultation process will determine whether the proposed reductions proceed and how they affect individual employees. The restructuring underscores the tension between adapting to market demands and preserving employment stability. As the consultation period unfolds, stakeholders, including employees, unions, and industry observers, are likely to scrutinize the terms of the proposed changes. The outcome of these discussions will shape the future direction of eNCA and provide insight into how similar media companies navigate the transition to a digital-centric model. The process is expected to conclude by late November, setting the stage for potential organizational changes by early December.

2 reports

IOL (Independent Online) logoIOL (Independent Online)Party-alignedCenterFactual 85Objective 809 hr. ago
eNCA plans major restructuring as 171 employees face retrenchment

eNCA, a South African 24-hour news channel, is planning a significant restructuring that could lead to the retrenchment of up to 171 out of its 309 employees. The restructuring aims to transition the organization from a traditional newsroom model to a digital-first approach, aligning with shifting audience consumption habits and declining traditional TV viewership. Notices issued by eNCA’s managing director outline the need to reduce duplication, streamline workflows, and improve resource efficiency. Employees were informed they must attend consultations starting on Wednesday, with the process expected to conclude by late November. While no final decisions have been made, those affected will be offered severance packages proportional to years of service, though refusal of alternative employment may disqualify some from benefits.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the restructuring plan as a strategic business decision driven by market trends and operational efficiency, without overtly criticizing or praising the move. It reports on the company's stated goals and employee responses neutrally, without evident ideological leaning. The focus

Why factuality (85): The article reports on eNCA's planned restructuring based on information from the Sunday Times, which is cited as a primary source. It provides specific numbers (171 out of 309 employees) and details the reasons for the restructuring, including declining TV viewership and the need for a digital-firs

Why objectivity (80): The tone remains neutral, presenting the restructuring as a business decision driven by market trends. While the article acknowledges potential job losses, it frames them as part of a broader organizational transformation rather than focusing on the human impact. There is no overt bias toward either

IOL (Independent Online) logoIOL (Independent Online)Party-alignedCenterFactual 85Objective 8010 hr. ago
eNCA plans major restructuring as 171 jobs face retrenchment

eNCA, a South African 24-hour news channel, is undergoing significant restructuring that could lead to the retrenchment of up to 171 employees, or over half of its workforce. The restructuring aims to transition from a traditional newsroom model to a digital-first approach, focusing on multi-platform operations including television, online, and digital platforms. This change is driven by shifting audience consumption habits and declining traditional TV viewership. The company emphasized the need to reduce duplication, streamline workflows, and improve resource efficiency. While no final decisions have been made, a Section 189 consultation process began, with retrenchments potentially taking effect by December 1. Employees facing retrenchment would receive severance packages based on years of service, though those refusing alternative employment offers would not qualify.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on corporate restructuring and potential layoffs at a media organization, which is primarily a business issue. There is no explicit political framing, bias, or emphasis on political implications. The focus is on operational changes and labor processes rather than political actors

Why factuality (85): This article mirrors the first in content, citing the Sunday Times as the source for the number of employees affected and the reasons behind the restructuring. The information presented is consistent with the first article and aligns with the cross-source consensus, indicating reliable reporting on

Why objectivity (80): Similar to the first article, the tone is neutral and focuses on the structural changes within eNCA. The language used to describe the situation is objective, avoiding emotionally charged terms. However, there is a slight emphasis on the necessity of the restructuring, which may subtly favor the com

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