Kaya FM Suspends Sol Phenduka โ Hereโs Why
Shock Suspension With Immediate Effect
On 20 August 2025, Johannesburgโbased radio station Kaya 959 (Kaya FM) abruptly suspended presenter and podcaster Sol Phenduka from air. The station cited an ongoing internal investigation, affirming its commitment to due process, and stated that no further details would be released until the matter concludes Wikipedia+10TimesLIVE+10IOL+10.
Listeners Left in Limbo
Eyewitnesses report that Phenduka had just completed a live shift before the announcement landed at noon. The swift move left both listeners and industry insiders stunned News24.
Phenduka Speaks Out: Minnie Dlamini Lawsuit at Center
On an episode of Podcast and Chill, Phenduka finally shed light on the situation. He confirmed that the suspension is tied to the ongoing R2.5โฏmillion defamation lawsuit brought by Minnie Dlamini against him and co-host MacG, alleging hate speech and harassment KAYA 959+10The Citizen+10IOL+10. Phenduka clarified that he was not formally charged with misconduct at work, and expressed surprise at the stationโs public announcement, mentioning that he had been told not to discuss the matter IOLThe Citizen.
He revealed that the suspension is expected to last seven days and suggested that new station management played a role in the decision Facebook+3The Citizen+3IOL+3.
Background: A Pattern of Controversy
This is not the first time Phenduka has been sidelined. In January 2015, he was placed on suspension at 5FM after making illโjudged remarks about the Van Breda family murdersโcomments that sparked public backlash The Citizen+3Wikipedia+3The South African+3.
Phendukaโs broadcasting career spans several prominent South African stations, including YFM, Metro FM, and 5FM, before joining Kaya 959 in July 2022, where he co-hosted the breakfast show alongside Dineo Ranaka The Citizen+9TimesLIVE+9Wikipedia+9.
What Lies Ahead
At this juncture, Kaya 959 remains tightโlipped, stating it will provide updates once the internal process concludes Facebook+7TimesLIVE+7News24+7. For his part, Phenduka maintains he did nothing wrongโand that the suspension stems not from onโair behavior, but from the external court case bringing the station into the spotlight Facebook+10The Citizen+10IOL+10.
Summary Snapshot
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Who | Sol Phenduka โ renowned DJ, broadcaster, and podcaster |
| What happened | Suspended from Kaya 959 on 20 August 2025, pending internal review |
| Why (per station) | Internal process underway; due process being observed |
| Why (per Phenduka) | Linked to Minnie Dlaminiโs R 2.5 million defamation lawsuit |
| Duration | Reportedly a seven-day suspension |
| History | Previously suspended in 2015 at 5FM over controversial remarks |
The evolving story spotlights the complex interplay between public personalities, legal accountability, and the reputational sensitivities of media institutions. As this unfolds, weโll keep you posted.