Kaya 959 Cancels Sol Phenduka’s Contract After Backlash Over Minnie Dlamini Remarks
Kaya 959 ends Sol Phenduka’s contract over misogynistic comments about Minnie Dlamini. The broadcaster broke his 2023 conduct promise. Public and media reaction follow.
September 2, 2025| Desk: Entertainment | News | South Africa
Johannesburg –The mic has been permanently muted for Sol Phenduka at Kaya 959. What began as a shock suspension for the popular breakfast show co-host has culminated in his official dismissal. The decision, delivered by the station, comes as a direct consequence of the explosive backlash surrounding his alleged misogynistic remarks about actress Minnie Dlamini on the highly controversial MacG Vodcast. Kaya 959 wasted no time in severing ties, making a clear and decisive statement that Phenduka’s conduct was irreconcilable with their core brand values of respect and accountability.
In a hard-hitting public statement, Kaya 959 emphasized that as a public figure and a voice of their flagship show, Phenduka’s conduct was expected to reflect the station’s commitment to respect and responsibility. The statement was unflinching: “Misogynistic remarks… are unacceptable and inconsistent with respect owed to women,” a declaration that left no room for interpretation. Acting Managing Executive Dave Tiltmann reinforced the move, explaining that the station could not afford to ignore actions that compromised its integrity or alienated its core audience.
The decision was not made in a vacuum. Tiltmann revealed this was not Phenduka’s first transgression. The shock jock had previously provided a written assurance to Kaya management in June 2023 that he would refrain from such conduct. This breach of promise became the final straw, sealing his fate at the station. For Phenduka, the silence at Kaya 959 is deafening, but the noise surrounding his future in the industry is only just beginning.
The mic has been permanently muted for Sol Phenduka at Kaya 959. What began as a shock suspension for the popular breakfast show co-host has culminated in his official dismissal. The decision, delivered by the station, comes as a direct consequence of the explosive backlash surrounding his alleged misogynistic remarks about actress Minnie Dlamini on the highly controversial MacG Vodcast. Kaya 959 wasted no time in severing ties, making a clear and decisive statement that Phenduka’s conduct was irreconcilable with their core brand values of respect and accountability.
In a hard-hitting public statement, Kaya 959 emphasized that as a public figure and a voice of their flagship show, Phenduka’s conduct was expected to reflect the station’s commitment to respect and responsibility. The statement was unflinching: “Misogynistic remarks… are unacceptable and inconsistent with respect owed to women,” a declaration that left no room for interpretation. Acting Managing Executive Dave Tiltmann reinforced the move, explaining that the station could not afford to ignore actions that compromised its integrity or alienated its core audience.
The decision was not made in a vacuum. Tiltmann revealed this was not Phenduka’s first transgression. The shock jock had previously provided a written assurance to Kaya management in June 2023 that he would refrain from such conduct. This breach of promise became the final straw, sealing his fate at the station. For Phenduka, the silence at Kaya 959 is deafening, but the noise surrounding his future in the industry is only just beginning.
The firing has ignited a firestorm across social media platforms, with public opinion deeply divided. The news has trended on Twitter (now X), TikTok, and Instagram, highlighting the powerful influence of online discourse in the modern media landscape. Many have lauded Kaya 959 for taking a firm stand against misogyny, while others have rallied behind Phenduka, accusing the station of caving to “cancel culture.”
on X: “It’s about time. You can’t claim to be a progressive brand and have someone who disrespects women on your payroll. Kaya did the right thing. #SolPhenduka”
TikTok User: “They’re just using Sol as a scapegoat. The real problem is MacG’s podcast and the topics they discuss. Kaya is just trying to save face.”
Instagram : “Sol is a brand on his own. He brought them listeners. Kaya 959 will regret this. We will follow him wherever he goes next.”
The controversy has also brought attention to Phenduka’s past, including a 2015 suspension from 5FM for insensitive comments about the Van Breda family tragedy. This pattern of behavior has led critics to argue that his latest dismissal was not an isolated incident but a long time coming.
This isn’t just a story about a radio host losing his job; it’s a profound case study on the conflict between freedom of speech, corporate responsibility, and the evolving ethics of online content creation. As podcasters and influencers gain massive followings, their personal platforms become inextricably linked to their professional personas. For media companies like Kaya 959, the challenge lies in managing talent whose external work may directly contradict their brand’s public image.
The decision sets a precedent, signaling that media houses are under increasing pressure from audiences and advertisers to hold their on-air personalities accountable for their conduct outside of the studio. This move by Kaya 959 underscores a growing trend where silence in the face of controversy is no longer an option. The ripple effects of this decision will undoubtedly continue to be felt across the South African entertainment and broadcasting industries for some time.
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