Lesedi FM top brass to bite the dust? SABC refutes expulsions claims!

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has DENIED claims that the state owned entity has resolved to expel Lesedi FM’s veteran radio personality Thuso Motaung and her wife Mamontha Motaung [Head of Business] – who allegedly was linked with a permanent move from Bloemfontein SABC to SABC regional office in North West.

SABC refuted these allegations following an alleged breaking news story conspired by City Press on Wednesday that set social media abuzz yesterday.

“SABC noted with concern the incorrect reports in the media which claim that veteran broadcaster Thuso Motaung has been dismissed from Lesedi FM. The reports further claim that Mamontha Motaung is suspended or dismissed from the SABC.

“The SABC is disappointed at this irresponsible and sensational reporting by various media publications and would like to set the record straight.

“Thuso Motaung has been temporarily unscheduled for operational reasons and will be back on his programme after two weeks. Mamontha Motaung is also not dismissed, nor is she suspended as it has been falsely reported.

“The SABC would like to reiterate that while the corporation is accountable to the public on various corporate issues, it is imperative to note that it will not discuss any matters pertaining to the employer-employee relationship in the media and public space,” read a statement from SABC.

City Press alleged that Thuso and Mamontha have faced an axe from the Bloemfontein-based radio station with immediate effect, although Mamontha was only to keep her position as Head of Business for the Tswana-speaking based radio station, Motsweding FM.

The story comes as pressure mounts on the broadcaster’s management to act on Motaung’s family due to deep concern surrounding the embattled Sesotho station.

Last year, listeners accused the duo of operating Lesedi FM as their personal fiefdom. They urged the SABC officials to intervene and hold the trio accountable for tarnishing the reputation of the station.

It was last year in September when the story broke that, Makgulong A Matala and Jwale Ke Nako presenter accused the station’s award-winning sportscaster Thabo Kofa of plotting to assassinate him and his family, things took a nasty turn and resulted in a public relations mess for Motaungs.

Kofa, spilled the beans on the unfairly treatment he received from Motaungs and revealed how Thuso conspired his expulsion from the station.

Thousands of angry listeners who read the story came out guns blazing and said that Lesedi FM is not the Motaung FM, but the radio station for the people.

Furthermore, Thuso has been accused for conspiracy of expelling Lesedi FM ex-presenters such as Quinton ‘Q-boy’ Molebatsi, Mosikidi Bothata, Lefa Pheto among others.