Zondo replacement up to Ukhozi FM
The decision to replace sacked pastor Sithembiso Zondo’s slot on Ukhozi FM would be entirely up to the station’s management, the SABC said.
“[Zondo] doesn’t work for the show – he was a contributor with a 10-minute slot, so the station will decide how they will fill that slot,” SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said on Tuesday.
On Tuesday morning, Zondo’s usual slot was taken by motivational speaker Abongile Mangala. However, it was unclear if he would be the official replacement for Zondo’s slot.
Ukhozi FM station manager Bonga Mpanza could not be reached for comment.
Yesterday, Kganyago said the decision to no longer schedule Zondo on Ukhozi FM’s breakfast show was taken in accordance with the station’s brand and that of the SABC.
“The decision was taken following careful consideration – as to the negative impact this situation would have on the credibility of the said programme the pastor was contributing to, as it deals with morality issues,” Kganyago said in a statement.
Zondo’s dismissal came a day after he apologised to the station during a service at his Zero to Hero church, in Durban.
“I apologise to Ukhozi FM, fellow pastors who listen to my show, as well as all the people of South Africa for the video,” Zondo said to his congregation.
Last year, the station fired popular on-air personality Linda Sibiya after he had been with Ukhozi FM for 17 years.
Although the broadcaster gave no reasons for Sibiya’s dismissal, it is alleged he was fired for publicly encouraging people to vote for the ANC.
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