Jansen: I did nothing wrong
2002-11-12 13:41
Cape Town - Axed e.tv sports editor Eben Jansen says he's done nothing wrong. "I've always acted on my brief," he told News24 on Tuesday afternoon.
And, while he harbours no ill feelings towards his former employer, he is disappointed. "I've always given 150% in the last three years. It's a sad end to a distinguished time.
"It was great to be part of a team which formed the first independent broadcaster, and I think we did it very well. I wish them all the best."
Jansen hit the headlines in October after being suspended for making remarks on air with sports journalist Craig Marais about claims that Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had groped a Cape Town woman.
e.tv told Jansen of his dismissal at his home on Monday night.
Jansen has hinted that he may seek legal recourse against his dismissal. "We have a Labour Relations Act - I'm quite happy to let the law take its course," he said, refusing to elaborate any further.
When asked about rumours of ill-will among e.tv staff towards management at the station, Jansen refused to comment. He did say, though, that the turnover at e.tv "is alarming".
'My mentor and a pioneer'
Jansen was also quick to add that he and Marais remained good friends. "If this was designed to wedge us apart, it hasn't, we're still mates."
Marais said that while he couldn't comment on Jansen's dismissal, he felt the former sports editor was very talented.
"He was a mentor to me," Marais said. "He's been a pioneer of non-white sports journalism. Maybe, it was time for him to move on, but not like that."
So, what now for Jansen?
"I am toying with the idea of retiring from tv," he said jokingly.
For now, though, he's just relieved to be able to take a break.
"This whole thing has been dragging on for a while. And I'm just happy for my family, especially my mother who hasn't been well, to finally have closure on the matter.
"Now, she doesn't have to read all this rubbish about me.
"I have had offers in the past to go overseas, but I think that's shallow. We all have something to contribute to our country, there's lots to do in South Africa. My future lies here."