JOHANNESBURG – Following internal investigations, radio station Kaya 959 has shared that it has terminated co-host and broadcaster Sol Phenduka’s contract with immediate effect.
In a statement, the station confirmed the termination of Phenduka following a review of recent public conduct. The contract case with Minnie Dlamini, which Phenduka is linked to because of his work as a co-host on podcast ‘Podcast and Chill with MacG’.
The TV producer and presenter initiated legal proceedings against Podcast and Chill co-hosts MacGyver ‘MacG’ Mukwevho and Phenduka. She has taken them to the Equality Court and is demanding R2.5 million in damages for hate speech, unfair discrimination and harassment based on sex or gender.
Acting Managing Executive Dave Tiltmann, in the statement, said the station cannot ignore behaviour that undermines its values or damages its reputation.
“Kaya 959 cannot and will not condone comments made on the MacG vodcast, where Sol Phenduka is an integral part of the presenting team. Misogynistic remarks made about actress Minnie Dlamini were unacceptable and inconsistent with respect owed to women.
As a content provider of our flagship breakfast show, his alignment with comments made on the vodcast does not reflect who we are as a station or what our listeners expect of us.”
Tiltmann added that the incident is a clear material breach of Phenduka’s Independent Contract.
“Despite Sol’s written assurance to Kaya management in June 2023 that such conduct would not re-occur, while acknowledging his responsibilities as a representative of the station, apologising to the Kaya family and stakeholders and committing to upholding the standards expected of him.
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.”
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