Popular radio personality Sol Phenduka has been shown the door by Kaya 959 following backlash over controversial remarks made during his appearance on the MacG Podcast & Chill show. The station announced the immediate termination of his contract, citing behaviour that clashed with its values and damaged its reputation.
In a statement, Acting Managing Executive Dave Tiltmann said the station could not ignore the misogynistic comments made about media personality Minnie Dlamini on the podcast, where Sol is a regular co-host.
“As a key figure on our flagship breakfast show, his alignment with those remarks doesn’t reflect who we are or what our audience expects,” Tiltmann explained.
This isn’t Sol’s first run-in with the station. In June 2023, he gave written assurances that such incidents wouldn’t happen again, an agreement Kaya FM says he has now breached. Despite previous apologies and promises to uphold professional standards, the station found his recent behaviour unacceptable.
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Kaya FM emphasised that its values, trust, integrity, accountability, respect, and inclusivity are non-negotiable. The station says it acted in accordance with its Independent Contractor Agreement, which allows for immediate dismissal if a public figure’s actions bring the brand into disrepute.
While many fans of the radio host may be disappointed, Kaya FM has made it clear: it won’t compromise on its principles, no matter who’s in the spotlight.
