Kaya 959 confirms that Sol Phenduka’s suspension is linked to the ongoing lawsuit involving co-host MacG, emphasizing his role as a co-host and the station’s internal investigation.
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| Sol Phenduka has been suspended from Kaya 959 pending an internal investigation linked to MacG’s controversial remarks about Minnie Dlamini |
Kaya 959 has finally provided clarity on why popular radio presenter and podcaster Sol Phenduka was suspended from the station. The move comes amid an ongoing R2.5 million lawsuit filed by television personality Minnie Dlamini against both Phenduka and his Podcast and Chill co-host, MacGyver “MacG” Mukwevho.
The lawsuit centers on offensive and misogynistic remarks MacG made about Dlamini on one episode of the popular podcast. Fans have debated Sol’s involvement, noting that he did not personally make the controversial comments. However, as co-host, Sol shares responsibility for the content aired, and Kaya 959 has suspended him pending an internal investigation to determine whether his conduct, or association with the remarks, violated company policy.
The Suspension Explained
Kaya 959’s statement emphasized that Sol’s suspension is precautionary, not a judgment of guilt. The station cited an ongoing internal review, assuring listeners and stakeholders that the matter is being handled with “fairness, sensitivity, and due process.”
While the offensive remark which targeted Dlamini’s personal life and hygiene was made by MacG, co-hosts are often held accountable in professional settings for content broadcast under their collective platform. The station’s move reflects the responsibilities media personalities carry when producing content, especially content that reaches a wide audience.
Industry insiders have noted that suspensions in such situations are not uncommon. Even if a co-host did not make a specific comment, their presence, engagement, or lack of objection can contribute to an environment in which offensive remarks are amplified.
The Lawsuit Against MacG and Sol
Minnie Dlamini’s Equality Court filing seeks R2.5 million in total damages: R1 million for violation of her dignity and R1.5 million to be donated to a nonprofit organization focused on combating gender-based violence. In addition to financial compensation, the lawsuit requests a public apology, gender sensitivity training, and community service hours from both MacG and Sol.
The legal action accuses the podcasters of misogyny, harassment, and gender-based discrimination. Specific allegations include objectifying Dlamini, making derogatory remarks about her personal hygiene, and labeling her with demeaning terms in discussions about her relationships.
The case underscores how South African law, particularly through the Equality Court, allows individuals to pursue accountability for harmful speech, whether it occurs on traditional broadcast platforms or digital media like podcasts.
Why Sol Is Implicated
Although Sol did not directly make the offensive comment, his suspension illustrates the principle of co-host liability. In broadcast and digital media, all hosts are potentially responsible for the content aired on their platform. This includes situations where a co-host:
- Contributes to the discussion
- Fails to challenge offensive or defamatory remarks
- Creates a permissive environment in which such comments are normalized
For Sol, this means that even if he refrained from making the offensive comment, his professional association with MacG and the podcast makes him subject to both legal scrutiny and workplace accountability.
Legal analysts note that this is a crucial distinction: co-hosts are not only participants but also gatekeepers for the content they present. Failing to intervene in cases of discriminatory or defamatory speech can be interpreted as tacit approval, which is why employers like Kaya 959 take immediate action to protect their reputation and adhere to corporate standards.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
The suspension has ignited public debate. Many fans argue that Sol is being unfairly punished for remarks he did not personally make. Others maintain that co-hosts must share responsibility for their platform, highlighting the ethical and professional challenges faced by content creators.
Advocacy groups and media watchdogs have condemned the remarks as a form of gender-based violence, emphasizing the need for accountability in all forms of media. The case has sparked a wider discussion about misogyny, harassment, and ethical boundaries in South African entertainment, particularly in podcasts and online content where regulatory oversight is less formalized than traditional broadcasting.
For the general public, the situation presents an important learning opportunity: media figures are increasingly held accountable not only for what they say but for the content that circulates under their brand. The rise of podcasts and digital media has expanded the reach of speech, meaning that the consequences of offensive or harmful remarks can be both legal and professional.
What’s Next?
Kaya 959 has confirmed that the internal investigation into Sol Phenduka’s role on the podcast is ongoing. He will remain off air until the process is complete. The station has pledged to handle the matter with fairness and transparency, reflecting its commitment to maintaining professional standards and public trust.
Meanwhile, the Equality Court will hear Dlamini’s case and determine whether both Sol and MacG are liable for defamation and hate speech. The court’s decision could set a precedent for co-host liability and media accountability in South Africa, particularly in podcasts and online content.
Legal experts suggest that the case highlights the importance of professional vigilance in broadcast media. Hosts must ensure that content is not only engaging but also respectful and free from discriminatory remarks. Failure to do so can result in both civil liability and reputational damage.
Conclusion
The suspension of Sol Phenduka underscores the complex dynamics of co-host responsibility in media. While MacG delivered the most controversial remark, Sol’s association with the podcast has placed him under scrutiny, reflecting the broader principle that co-hosts share accountability for content aired on their platform.
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