Following his suspension from Kaya FM, broadcaster Sol Phenduka has finally addressed the reason behind his temporary removal from the airwaves.
During an episode of MacG’s Podcast And Chill, of which he is a co-host, Phenduka revealed that his suspension is directly related to a R2.5 million lawsuit filed against him and his colleague MacGyver Mukwevho by media personality Minnie Dlamini.
Earlier this month, Dlamini took legal action against the hosts of Podcast and Chill, accusing them of hate speech and harassment. In her court papers, Dlamini is seeking R1 million in damages for herself and an additional R1.5 million to be donated to a women’s organization.
The Suspension
On Wednesday, Kaya FM announced that Phenduka had been suspended with immediate effect pending an internal investigation.
In a statement released by Ian Bredenkamp, the station’s PR representative, it was confirmed that Phenduka’s suspension was part of a due process and that no further details would be shared at this stage.
Phenduka, however, maintained his innocence, stating that he had not done anything wrong or unprofessional to warrant his suspension.
Despite the ongoing legal battle with Dlamini, Phenduka expressed surprise at the timing of his suspension and the release of the statement by Kaya FM.
Kaya’s New Partners
Phenduka also revealed that Kaya FM had recently undergone a change in management, with United Stations taking over as the station’s sales partner earlier this year.
United Stations is now responsible for selling advertising space and airtime on Kaya FM, following the transition from their previous partner, Mediamark.
The partnership with United Stations is expected to bring new commercial opportunities for both the station and its advertisers, as well as connect clients to Kaya FM’s audience more effectively.
As Phenduka navigates the legal proceedings with Dlamini and his suspension from Kaya FM, the future of Podcast and Chill remains uncertain amidst the changing dynamics at the radio station.