ATM backs radio host Ntuli
THE AFRICAN Transformation Movement (ATM) says it stands in solidarity with radio and social media sensation, Penny Ntuli.
Social media has reacted strongly against Gagasi FM which had made an offer of R2 800 for the talented radio personality as part of her new once a week R711 show contract.
On Monday, the urban contemporary radio station in Durban’s uMhlanga came under fire after Ntuli addressed media reports suggesting that she had quit her job with the station.
Taking to social media, Ntuli said she tried her best to negotiate a better deal with the station but her attempts were in vain.
“I did not just quit my job as everyone has been saying. I am grateful for the opportunity I was given by the station.
“However, I tried to reason with them and even suggested that they give me another show to supplement my salary because it was never going to work on this offer of R2 800 per month on my offer letter or contract,” Ntuli said in her post on social media.
Yesterday, ATM said it is in support of the radio host who showed courage by quitting her radio gig.
The latest developments come just as all radio stations across the country have been finalising their contracts with their staff members.
“The African Transformation Movement expresses its unwavering support for Penny Ntuli and applauds her courage in rejecting the low-paying contract offered by Gagasi FM.
“The recent allegations shared by Ntuli shed light on the systemic exploitation faced by artists in South Africa, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory measures within the arts industry,” the party said.
ATM called for the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture to intervene in matters affecting the creative and arts sector.
“It is deeply concerning that the arts sector remains deeply unregulated … Furthermore, the silence from the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture on these critical issues, is disheartening. The ATM calls upon the ministry to address these matters promptly and take decisive action to safeguard the rights and well-being of all artists in South Africa,” it said.
Attempts to get comment from the radio station were unsuccessful at the time of going to print.
SOCIAL media sensation and radio personality Penny Ntuli has revealed how she took the tough decision to quit her presenting job at Gagasi FM.
Having joined Gagasi FM in 2022, Ntuli has taken to social media to announce that she will not be renewing her contract for the upcoming season as she was offered a fee she was not happy about.
In a lengthy post, she revealed parts of her resignation letter and new contract offer. The new offer shows an amount of R711.98 per Sunday show that will run for three hours.
“It's been an amazing two years there. I am grateful to be considered as one of the talents given an opportunity once again in the new season on your platform.
“However, the salary of R2800 a month on my offer letter or contract is not something I can sustain my life with.”
“Allow me to go out there ngiyongqongqoza kweminye iiminyango ngyobheka amanye amathuba omsebendzi azokwazi ukungiph amandla okukwazi ukunakekela izingane zasekhaya ezingibhekile (to knock and look for better opportunities that will help feed my family) hence I ask that my contract NOT be renewed.
“I do however trust that you'll bring in the best talent on air as per usual,” Ntuli wrote, in response to the new contract offer.
After announcing the news, there has been an outcry on social media.
“Is there someone who still gets paid this much?” asked one user.
“Gagasi FM? In what world does it make sense for Penny Ntuli to be offered a renewed contract with a salary of R2800pm? The qualifications she has and all the listenership she brought to your station, this is the kind of ‘thanks' she gets?” asked another user.
A third wrote: “You can't deny Penny Ntuli's influence and numbers. This is an insult shem!”
In a recent interview with the Independent on Saturday, Ntuli said her experience with radio has been really beautiful. She said on commercial radio, the iron is hot, but she keeps learning every day.
“I am becoming what I wish I had growing up, that person who's already there telling me while I am still hustling that it can still be achieved.
“Somebody who'll tell me or rather share with me their problems and show me that they are not perfect, they are human, like me.