L'eNCA prévoit une restructuration majeure alors que 171 emplois risquent d'être réduits

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.