Show host sacked for ‘monkey’ slur

Gauteng radio station Hot 91.9FM has parted company with Breakfast Show host Sasha Martinengo after he called EFF leader Julius Malema a “monkey” live on air.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Hot 91.9FM said it had decided to remove Martinengo from all involvement with the station with immediate effect and issued an apology to Malema.

It reads: “This morning an unfortunate and completely unacceptable incident took place during the Breakfast Show whereby, during the course of the broadcast, a reference was made by anchor presenter Sasha Martinengo, who said ‘[A]nd people still listen to this monkey,’ referring to Mr Julius Malema.

“The values of this radio station include a full and unconditional commitment to the South African Bill of Rights and an all-encompassing respect for all our community irrespective of their political point of view.

“The statement by the presenter violated the station’s code of conduct ...

“The station hereby issues a public apology to Mr Malema and deeply regrets any adverse inference that the conduct of the presenter has had.”

The EFF applauded Martinengo’s sacking, saying it plans to open a criminal case against him. “The EFF welcomes the dismissal of Sasha Martinengo. Unlike many who accept apologies of the racists, this station took it a step further by firing the racist,” its statement reads. – Citizen reporter