Podcaster and radio presenter Sol Phenduka has been suspended from Kaya 959 with immediate effect while internal investigations are underway.
Sol, whose real name is Solomzi Thandubuntu Phenduka, joined the station in 2022 where he initially co-hosted the breakfast show with Dineo Ranaka.
Yesterday, Kaya 959 released a statement citing that internal investigations are still pending, and that no further details will be shared until a conclusion has been reached.
“Kaya 959 confirms that presenter Sol Phenduka has been placed on suspension with immediate effect. This step has been taken pending the outcome of an internal process currently under way. The station is committed to following due process, and no further details will be shared at this stage.
“Updates will be provided once the internal process has been concluded and a final decision has been reached. Kaya 959 appreciates the understanding of its staff, listeners and stakeholders while this matter is being addressed.”
The former Big Brother Mzansi contestant was on air with Sizwe Dhlomo, alongside sportscaster Mpho Maboi and newsreader Mfundo Mabalane on Wednesday morning. However, Kaya 959 dropped a bombshell and released a statement at noon announcing his suspension.
Before joining Kaya, Sol had branched out into podcasting after being suspended by 5FM in 2015. He was suspended on the national radio station after he made offensive comments about the murders of the Van Breda family in Stellenbosch. The surviving member of the Van Breda family was then 16-year-old Marli van Breda.
The radio station’s statement at the time read: “Sol referred to her survival as ‘fresh’ because she was the only person who can identify her killer.”
“His comments, which included him saying she was ‘gorgeous’ and that he would ‘like to axe her out’, but that he ‘wouldn’t X her’, have been seen as insensitive, with social media accusing him of making jokes far too soon after such a tragic event.”
The Van Breda family were victims of an axe attack.
Also see: Sol Phenduka pays for Mac G’s sins after distasteful comments on Minnie Dlamini’s private parts
