Radio blackout probed
SABC to investigate why Kamwendo was taken off air
THE SABC has launched an investigation into the abrupt removal of Safm host Sakina Kamwendo’s show midway into its broadcast.
The show was cut as Kamwendo was telling her listeners that she had not been informed about the the line-up changes that will take effect today. She said she had heard about her sacking through the rumour mill. She will be replaced by veteran journalist Stephen Grootes.
“The executive management has requested for a full report on the incident and will engage all involved to get the facts on what really happened and why,” SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said.
The public broadcaster has been making headlines regarding new appointments, with accusations that the processes were handled poorly. .
Last weekend Kamwendo took to Twitter to clarify that she was never consulted regarding the possibility of co-hosting her show with Grootes. That followed a report by a tabloid paper which she interpreted as trying to portray her as a prima donna.
“The question of co-hosting with @Stephengrootes never arose,” she posted.
Yesterday, Kganyago said Kamwendo was told of a new show she would be hosting prior to her show starting. He said she had signed a new contract on the very same day.
“It is also important to deal with the perception that Ms Sakina Kamwendo’s contract with the SABC has been terminated,” he said.
“Prior to the programme, she was engaged by news management on a new slot on Safm and both parties have signed a new contract to that effect. The process that was followed is the same for all on-air personalities.”
The public broadcaster has announced numerous changes to radio line-ups, including Metro FM, Thobela FM and Motsweding FM. The new faces at Metro FM include radio legend Thomas Msengana hosting the noon to 3pm lunch show with Pearl Modiadie. Also joining the ranks is TV actress Thembisa Mdoda.
The former Our Perfect Wedding host will join Mpho “Mo G” Modise for the Saturday breakfast show.
Thomas Mlambo will take over the Ultimate Sport Show. Another new face at the station is Bujy Bikwa who will join Dineo Ranaka for the Metro FM Top 40 Chart Show.
On Motsweding FM, Molebogeng Leabile will host the mid-morning show, Resemeletse, replacing veteran broadcaster Lindiwe Modise.
The mid-day show, which was previously known as Bua Le Mmino will be hosted by Amon Mokoena from Metro FM, who will also host the Sunday show, Iketleng.
Refilwe Modiselle joins Gotetsa Mosha, the afternoon drive show that was hosted by Lucky “LTK” Komanisi.
Actor and film producer Rapulana Seiphemo joins Sammy Fever on the Saturday breakfast show, Leretlhabetse, and will also host the Sunday evening show called Sepelong.
Actress Rami Chuene will host the jazz show on Thobela FM.