Popular radio host Sol Phenduka has officially been dismissed from Kaya FM, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure as co-host of the station’s flagship morning show. The termination follows closely on the heels of a high-profile defamation lawsuit filed by media personality Minnie Dlamini, which has cast a long shadow over Phenduka’s career and public image.
Phenduka, who was widely recognized for his sharp wit and controversial commentary, co-hosted Kaya FM’s breakfast show alongside Dineo Ranaka. The duo attracted a substantial listenership, making the show one of the station’s most talked-about segments. However, behind the scenes, mounting legal troubles and increasing public scrutiny eventually led Kaya FM to part ways with the embattled radio presenter.
The fallout began when Sol Phenduka, who also co-hosts the popular YouTube series Podcast and Chill with MacG, made a series of controversial comments about Minnie Dlamini during an episode of the podcast. These remarks, according to Dlamini, were deeply offensive, defamatory, and derogatory—particularly regarding her personal hygiene and private life following her divorce from Dr Brian Monaisa.
In court documents filed at the Equality Court, Dlamini alleges that the statements made by Phenduka amount to harassment, hate speech, and gender-based discrimination. The lawsuit has gained significant media attention due to its focus on the intersection of media freedom and gender-based violence.
Dlamini is seeking R2.5 million in damages—R1 million for the infringement on her dignity and R1.5 million earmarked for donation to a charity that combats gender-based violence in South Africa.
Kaya FM Suspends and Then Terminates Sol Phenduka
Initially, Kaya FM suspended Sol Phenduka in mid-August 2025, citing only that the decision was related to an “internal process.” The radio station stopped short of directly referencing the lawsuit, but industry insiders and fans quickly connected the dots.
The speculation was fueled when well-known radio personality DJ Fresh took to social media, strongly hinting that Phenduka’s suspension was directly linked to the Minnie Dlamini defamation case.
Following weeks of uncertainty and public speculation, Kaya FM officially confirmed Sol Phenduka’s termination on September 2, 2025. In a brief statement, the station thanked Phenduka for his contributions but emphasized their commitment to upholding values of respect, dignity, and inclusivity.
“Kaya 959 has ended its professional relationship with Mr. Sol Phenduka effective immediately. We are committed to creating a respectful and inclusive environment for our staff and listeners,” the statement read.
The incident marks a significant turning point in the career of Sol Phenduka, who had managed to establish himself as both a bold media personality and a provocative voice in South African entertainment. Known for pushing boundaries, Phenduka has often found himself at the center of controversy. However, this latest issue appears to have dealt the most serious blow yet.
While he has not yet issued a formal statement in response to Kaya FM’s decision, Phenduka remains active on social media, where public opinion appears to be sharply divided. Some fans have defended his right to freedom of speech, while others argue that his comments were insensitive, sexist, and harmful.
Legal experts say the outcome of the defamation lawsuit could have long-lasting implications not just for Sol Phenduka, but for media personalities across South Africa. If Dlamini wins the case, it could set a precedent for how defamatory and gender-based remarks are handled within the media industry and beyond.
The firing of Sol Phenduka has sparked debate across social media platforms, with hashtags like #SolPhenduka, #MinnieDlamini, and #KayaFM trending for several days. While some listeners have expressed disappointment over his departure, others have praised Kaya FM for taking a firm stand against misogyny and defamation.
Media watchdogs and advocacy groups for gender equality have applauded Dlamini for taking legal action. Many argue that it’s a critical moment for South Africa’s media landscape, where accountability for public figures is often lacking.
As the legal proceedings unfold and public discourse continues, the future of Sol Phenduka in the broadcasting industry remains uncertain. While it’s possible he may double down on digital platforms like Podcast and Chill, his mainstream radio career appears to be in jeopardy.
For now, the controversy serves as a cautionary tale for media personalities navigating the fine line between edgy commentary and irresponsible speech. Whether Sol Phenduka can recover from this setback will depend largely on the outcome of the court case and how he chooses to address the situation going forward.
Source- Fakaza
