Vuma FM has come out fighting following claims it terminated Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma’s contract due to her links with the March on March movement.
In a short statement on Monday, the KwaZulu-Natal-based radio station ‘set the record straight’ explaining that Ngobese-Zuma was not dismissed but rather that, as an independent contractor, her contract had reached its natural conclusion.
“All of our presenter contracts are subject to annual renewal at the station’s discretion, a standard practice in our industry.
“Vuma FM made the line-up based on internal, annual evaluation and not influenced by any external party,” the radio station said.
It further thanked Ngobese-Zuma for her contribution to the station and wished her well in the future.
At the weekend, Ngobese-Zuma released a statement explaining that she received a letter about her termination. She said no reasons were given.
“It has come to my attention that a complaint was brought by an external entity or an individual, I shall not deal with the details of that complaint at this stage,” Ngobese-Zuma said.
She added that she was appreciative of the opportunity by Vuma FM’s management, and further thanked the listeners who had become friends and family.
“I will keep you and the memories we shared in my heart forever. My last day at work is 31 July, until then let’s continue making great radio,” she said.
The KZN Health Department also released a statement distancing itself from allegations circulating on social media, that it played a part in Ngobese-Zuma’s contract termination.
Social media users claimed that the award-winning radio presenter was ‘dismissed’ due to her March for March movement, a civic organisation that in recent weeks has taken part in protests around the country, calling on the government to fight harder against illegal immigration.
seanne.rall@iol.co.za
IOL
