Celebrating Sol Phenduka: Kaya 959 reacts to Best Traffic Presenter nomination

Kaya 959 has shared its thoughts after former presenter Sol Phenduka landed a nomination at this year’s Telkom Radio Awards. 

Phenduka is up for Best Traffic Presenter, a category that recognises his work on the station’s breakfast show, “Siz the World", before his dismissal earlier this year.

The nomination comes after he was let go by “Kaya 959” a few months ago, following the station’s review of his public conduct. 

This stemmed from the controversy around comments made on the “Podcast and Chill” platform, where he appears alongside his co-host MacGyver “MacG” Mukwevho, who was met with backlash after misogynistic remarks about media personality Minnie Dlamini.

Dlamini took legal action against the pair, accusing them of making degrading remarks about her. She has since approached the Equality Court, seeking R2.5 million in damages for hate speech, harassment and unfair discrimination.

At the time, “Kaya 959” said that the comments made on the vodcast did not align with the station’s values or what their audience expects from presenters. 

Management confirmed that Phenduka’s behaviour created a breach of his independent contract and that the station acted within its policies by ending his role immediately.

Speaking to “The Citizen”, programme manager Maekanya Morotoba made it clear that if Phenduka wins the award, it belongs to him alone.

“It recognises his individual performance,” Morotoba said, adding that the station is pleased to see his contributions being noticed. 

"We are pleased to see Sol’s work recognised by the industry. His nomination reflects the contribution he made during his time at Kaya,”  Morotoba added. The station also shared that its relationship with Phenduka remains professional.

The podcaster has been vocal about his journey since leaving Kaya 959. He previously said he was surprised when the station publicly announced his suspension while he was being advised not to discuss the issue. 

When the nominations were released, he took to social media to celebrate the news, 

“Such amazing people who have been nominated. Each and every one of them, super dope humans. All the best, fam,” he wrote.