Kaya FM Suspends Sol Phenduka Over Minnie Dlamini Lawsuit
Kaya 959 has suspended popular radio presenter and podcaster Sol Phenduka with immediate effect, the station confirmed yesterday, Wednesday, August 20.
The station issued a brief statement citing an ongoing “internal process” as the reason for the suspension. Kaya 959 assured listeners and stakeholders that the matter was being addressed with “fairness, sensitivity, and due process,” but did not disclose any further details.
Industry veteran DJ Fresh, however, linked the suspension to a high-profile R2.5 million lawsuit lodged against Phenduka and his Podcast and Chill co-host, MacGyver “MacG” Mukwevho. The case, filed by television personality Minnie Dlamini in the Equality Court, is centred on remarks made on their podcast.
Dlamini alleges that the comments amounted to hate speech, harassment, and gender-based discrimination. According to court documents, the pair made defamatory remarks about her personal life and hygiene following her breakup with Dr Brian Monaisa.
In her claim, Dlamini is seeking R1 million in damages for what she terms a violation of her dignity. She is also requesting an additional R1.5 million be donated to a non-profit organisation that focuses on addressing gender-based violence.
Legal expert Professor Tshepo Madlingozi, from the University of Pretoria’s Centre for Human Rights, told this paper that Equality Court cases involving defamation and discrimination are “a critical test of how South Africa’s legal system balances freedom of expression with the constitutional right to dignity.”
Meanwhile, speculation is growing around the potential impact on both Kaya 959 and the podcast. While fans have taken to social media to share divided views, industry insiders note that brands and media houses often act quickly to protect their reputations when faced with legal disputes of this nature.
At the time of publication, neither Phenduka nor Mukwevho had issued a public statement in response to the lawsuit or the suspension. Minnie Dlamini’s representatives also declined to comment further, citing the ongoing court process.
