DURBAN – South African radio presenter Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma has found herself at the centre of a national debate after being let go by Vuma FM, just weeks after making controversial statements on television regarding the use of public hospitals by foreign nationals.
Ngobese-Zuma, who also leads the civic movement March on March, said during a televised interview that foreigners should not be allowed access to South Africa’s public healthcare facilities. The remarks drew strong reactions from across the country, with critics calling them inflammatory and xenophobic, while others supported her stance, arguing the country’s healthcare system is under pressure.
Following the backlash, Ngobese-Zuma released a statement over the weekend claiming she had received a termination letter from the station, without any reasons being given. She added that the termination followed a complaint from an external source, though she withheld further details.
However, Vuma FM responded on Monday with a public statement, pushing back against speculation that the decision to let her go was linked to her activism or public comments.
The KwaZulu-Natal-based station stated that Ngobese-Zuma was not dismissed but was an independent contractor whose agreement had simply reached its natural end. “All of our presenter contracts are subject to annual renewal at the station’s discretion, a standard practice in our industry,” the station noted. “Vuma FM made the line-up based on internal, annual evaluation and not influenced by any external party.”
The station thanked Ngobese-Zuma for her contribution and wished her well in her future endeavours.
Ngobese-Zuma responded by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work at the station, saying she would treasure the connection she built with her audience. “My last day at work is 31 July, until then let’s continue making great radio,” she said.
The KZN Department of Health also issued a statement distancing itself from claims circulating online that it had a hand in the presenter’s contract not being renewed. These claims emerged alongside online speculation that her dismissal was linked to her role in the March on March movement, which has led protests around the country calling for stricter action on illegal immigration.
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