Kaya FM dismisses Sol Phenduka just days after his suspension
Just days after suspending him, Kaya FM terminated Sol Phenduka’s contract with immediate effect. Here’s why.
Johannesburg-based radio station Kaya FM terminated podcaster and radio personality Sol Phenduka’s contract with immediate effect on Monday, 1 September.
SOL PHENDUKA FIRED FROM KAYA FM
Kaya FM terminated Sol Phenduka’s contract with immediate effect on Monday, 1 September. He co-hosted the breakfast show Siz the World alongside popular radio personality Sizwe Dhlomo, sportscaster Mpho Maboi, and newsreader Mfundo Mabalane.
Phenduka previously stated that his suspension was linked to the court case involving him, MacGyver ‘MacG’ Mukwevho, and Minnie Dlamini. The station decided after conducting an internal review of his public conduct.
“Kaya 959 cannot and will not condone comments made on the MacG Vodcast, where Sol Phenduka is a presenter. Misogynistic remarks made about actress Minnie Dlamini were unacceptable and inconsistent with the respect owed to women,” said acting Managing Executive Dave Tiltmann.
Tiltman said Phenduka’s support for the remarks failed to reflect the station’s values or meet the audience’s expectations. Reports state that in 2023, the Podcast and Chill host gave written assurances promising not to repeat such conduct.
“Trust, integrity, accountability, respect, and inclusivity are the foundations of Kaya 959. They guide everything we do on air, online and off air. We are answerable to our listeners, and when conduct falls short, we act decisively,” he said.
COURT CASE BETWEEN SOL PHENDUKA, MACG AND MINNIE DLAMINI
Minnie Dlamini is reportedly suing MacG and Sol Phenduka for R2.5 million in damages over hate speech, unfair discrimination, and harassment based on sex or gender. The actress said the pair’s “derogatory” remarks after her breakup with celebrity doctor Brian Monaisa left her in deep pain.
Sol Phenduka revealed on an episode of Podcast and Chill, which he co-hosts with MacGyver ‘MacG’ Mukwevho, that he believes his suspension stems from the court case with Minnie Dlamini.
“You know what it’s about; it’s about the court case with Minnie,” he said.
At the time, Phenduka went on to say that he was surprised when the radio station released a statement because he was asked to keep it private.