Kaya 959 has officially terminated its contract with breakfast show content provider, Sol Phenduka, following a review of his public conduct. The radio station confirmed that his removal stems from remarks made during his participation on the MacG Vodcast, which management deemed inconsistent with the broadcaster’s values.
Station Management Confirms Termination
Acting Managing Executive, Dave Tiltmann, said the station cannot overlook behaviour that undermines its values or damages its reputation. He stressed that Kaya 959’s responsibility to its listeners requires accountability when public figures associated with the station act in ways that are harmful.
Tiltmann pointed out that Sol Phenduka’s involvement in conversations that included derogatory remarks about actress Minnie Dlamini was unacceptable. He said the comments did not reflect the standards Kaya 959 expects from anyone representing the station, especially on its flagship breakfast show.
“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, nor what our listeners expect of us.” – Statement reads
Breach of Independent Contract
The station confirmed that this incident was not the first of its kind. In June 2023, Sol gave a written assurance to management promising not to repeat such behaviour after a previous incident. Despite this, the latest controversy was viewed as a material breach of his Independent Contract.
Kaya 959’s Independent Contractor Agreement allows for immediate termination if an individual’s public actions bring the station into disrepute. Management stated that this measure was applied decisively in Phenduka’s case.
“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.” – the statement reads
Kaya 959 Emphasises Its Core Values
Tiltmann reinforced that the broadcaster’s values are not negotiable. “Trust, integrity, accountability, respect, and inclusivity are the foundations of Kaya 959. They guide everything we do on air, online, and off air,” he said.
He added that the station remains committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for staff, listeners, and partners.
FAQs
Why was Sol Phenduka fired from Kaya 959?
Sol Phenduka’s contract was terminated due to his involvement in misogynistic remarks made on the MacG Vodcast, which Kaya 959 said violated its values and brought the station into disrepute.
Did Kaya 959 give Sol Phenduka a warning before this?
Yes. In June 2023, Sol provided a written assurance to the station that he would avoid behaviour that could damage its reputation. The latest incident was considered a repeat offence and a breach of contract.
What values does Kaya 959 stand for?
Kaya 959 operates on the principles of trust, integrity, accountability, respect, and inclusivity. These guide its operations both on and off air.
What happens next for Kaya 959’s breakfast show?
The station has not yet announced who will permanently replace Sol Phenduka. However, management has emphasised its commitment to maintaining broadcasting standards and listener trust.
The firing of Sol Phenduka marks a decisive step by Kaya 959 to uphold its values and protect its reputation. The station has made it clear that accountability and respect are central to its identity. While the controversy highlights the risks public figures face when their conduct contradicts professional standards, it also underlines Kaya 959’s dedication to its listeners and its broadcasting integrity in South Africa.
