Lesedi FM sacks its gospel show presenter
Pheto is accused of using station’s name for business
Lesedi FM has fired its gospel show presenter, Reverend Lefa Pheto.
Though the SABC flatly refused to state the reason for terminating Pheto’s contract, Sowetan can reveal that it was suspected misconduct.
The SABC confirmed to Sowetan this week that the presenter’s contract as host of popular Sunday night show Thoriso was terminated.
“The SABC can confirm that Mr Lefa Pheto’s contract with Lesedi FM has been terminated following an internal investigation,” acting SABC spokesperson Mmoni Seapolelo said.
“The SABC will not discuss the matter further. The station has requested Ms Tholoana Moletsane to stand in, while management is finalising the process of finding a presenter.”
Sowetan, however, has seen Pheto’s contract termination letter that he was served with on Friday by station manager Mamontha Motaung.
“Your usage of Lesedi FM logo to promote Tlholo Victory Financial Services is in contravention with your independent contractor’s agreement,” the letter reads.
On July 8, Pheto was formally informed about an internal investigation on him, and was advised to submit reasons why he should not be sacked.
“Evidence was found that you used the Lesedi FM name and logo on posters together with the logo associated with Thlolo Victory Financial Services
and logos of municipalities where you held prayer sessions. In all this (sic) instances you did not have permission to use the Lesedi FM name and logo,” the letter stated.
Pheto told Sowetan he was a “brand ambassador for Thlolo in his personal capacity”.
Speaking of the municipalities’ logo allegations, Pheto said he was confused why the matter was revisited under Motaung since it was put to rest last year under the leadership of then acting station manager Mosolodi Mohapi.
Pheto said last year, he was invited by the pastoral forum in Ficksburg to attend a prayer session organised by Setsoto local municipality.
According to Pheto, to promote the event, the municipality used the Lesedi FM logo on the poster without his permission or knowledge.
Pheto said the municipality later issued a letter to Mohapi to clear his name.
The letter that Sowetan is in possession of reads: “Please note that no payment was offered to [nor] demanded by Pastor Pheto. The municipality acknowledged him by placing only his photo alongside that of the Executive Mayor, as well as placing Lesedi FM logo on the flyers that were distributed on WhatsApp and Facebook.”
Pheto started hosting Thoriso in 2018, and won a Crown Gospel Music Award for his work. He said tensions started to build with management when his show was moved from the 7.30pm to 11pm slot to 9pm to 11pm in April.
Along with the late-night move, Pheto said he was instructed to stop preaching on the show, an element which was a popular with listeners.