Latest news with #VumaFM
TimesLIVE
6 hours ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Former Vuma FM presenter Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma to lead anti-immigration march in Durban
Former Vuma FM presenter Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma is stepping into the public spotlight again, this time at the helm of a controversial march against illegal immigration. Jacinta is spearheading the 'March and March' movement, a public protest set to take place on August 1 at Gugu Dlamini Park in Durban. The initiative, driven largely through social media mobilisation, aims to raise awareness about the perceived impact of illegal immigrants on communities. 'I've decided I won't sit back and be a spectator,' she said in an exclusive interview with TshisaLIVE. 'I want to be part of the change. That's how we started March and March, with people from social media, making sure we march until our voices are heard.' The broadcaster-turned-activist said her motivation stems from concerns raised by South Africans over the years, many of which she encountered through her work in radio.
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Here's why Jacinta 'MaNgobese' Zuma is no longer on Vuma FM
Vuma FM has set the record straight on Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma's departure from the station. After weeks of speculation surrounding her departure, with some claiming she was 'dismissed' due to her links with the March in March movement in Durban, where protesters were demanding illegal immigrants leave the country, Vuma FM said her contract with the station had ended. 'The recent decision made by Vuma FM not to renew Ngobese-Zuma's contract as presenter at Vuma FM is not a dismissal but a natural conclusion of an independent contractor's term,' it said. 'All our presenter contracts are subject to annual renewal at the station's discretion, a standard practice in our industry. Vuma FM made the line-up changes based on internal, annual evaluation and not influenced by any external party. 'We would like to thank Ngobese-Zuma for her contribution to the station and wish her well in the future.'
IOL News
6 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma threatens legal action against ANC over misleading statement
Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma is taking legal action against ANC KZN, accusing the party of issuing a misleading statement that unfairly links her Vuma FM exit to political interference. Image: DOCTOR NGCOBO/Independent Newspapers A prominent South African socialite and radio personality Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma has instructed her legal team to take swift action against the African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) unless the party retracts a statement concerning her recent departure from Vuma FM. Ngobese-Zuma's frustrations mounted following the ANC's media release, which she vehemently described as "misleading"; stating it jeopardised her reputation and had the potential to damage her public image. What also irked Ngobese-Zuma about the statement was the ANC asserting that she asked for the party's leaders to be "lynched". "The statement is not only unfortunate; it is riddled with misleading statements that erode my good name, particularly when the catchphrase has no nexus to the contents of the statement," said Ngobese-Zuma in her media statement The ANC's initial remarks were delivered in a statement titled "ANC KZN welcomes Vuma FM pronouncement on Ngobese-Zuma's contract and cautions against public lynching of its leaders." When reached for comment, ANC KZN spokesperson Fanle Sibisi indicated that the matter was now in the hands of their attorneys and refused to comment further, stating, "We can't say much now; we are going to apply our minds and we will make pronouncements in due course." Amid the unfolding legal drama, Ngobese-Zuma was also gearing for a full-blown demonstration on August 1 in Durban's CBD, as part of her March on March movement's mobilisation against illegal immigrants. The demonstration seeks to raise awareness regarding the growing influx of immigrants into South Africa, with some calling for the mass deportation of illegal immigrants. According to Xolani Zuma, the organiser of the march, the demonstration aims to prioritise the needs of South African citizens, while calling for the arrest and prosecution of corrupt officials who were allegedly allowing undocumented immigrants to infiltrate the country. "The government has very limited resources to provide healthcare for South Africans, and the increase in the number of undocumented immigrants puts more strain on the shallow public purse,' he explained. Zuma also highlighted various challenges brought about by illegal immigration, like rising crime rates attributed to undocumented immigrants, drug cartels, and human trafficking. He expressed concern over the difficulties faced by local law enforcement in identifying offenders amid allegations of officials selling identities to illegal immigrants. The March on March movement, which initially began as a grassroots effort on Facebook, was sparked by Ngobese-Zuma's call for increased awareness about the issues of illegal immigration. The movement's core mission was to urge local municipalities to reclaim hijacked buildings, which they claim contribute to the escalating crime rate in the region. DAILY NEWS
IOL News
7 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Investigations demanded against KZN MECs amid corruption claims
THE MEC of Education in KwaZulu-Natal, Sipho Hlomuka whose department is embroiled in allegations of tender irregularities regarding the school nutrition programme THE MEC of Health in KwaZulu-Natal, Nomagugu Simelane, has distanced herself from allegations that she had a hand in the abrupt termination of Vuma FM presenter, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma's contract. TRIBUNE REPORTER ACTIONSA has written to KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, urging him to investigate Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane and Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka on various allegations levelled against them. The DA has also joined the fray and asked the Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gqurube to take over the R2.9 billion National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). The party also welcomed the commitment by KZN Finance MEC, Francois Rodgers, to initiate a preliminary investigation following serious allegations of corruption implicating Hlomuka and several ANC-linked figures within the administration of the NSNP. Simelane is facing allegations of abuse of power and interfering in the abrupt termination of Vuma FM presenter Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma's contract. The allegations surfaced earlier this week, and KZN Health was swift in quelling the rumours, issuing a statement after hours on Monday distancing the MEC from the allegations, adding that as a woman she would never do such a thing against another woman. Ngobese-Zuma is the founder of the anti-illegal immigration movement, March and March, which has had a few brushes with the health department over the members of the movement blocking undocumented immigrants from accessing public healthcare facilities. ActionSA leader in KZN, Zwakele Mncwango, said the premier shouldn't hide behind the deals of the government of provincial unity (GPU) to drag his feet at launching an investigation against the MECs. Hlomuka is embroiled in the school nutrition tender of his department, with his wife's company being one of the chosen bidders to supply food at various schools. "We are writing to you to express our deep concern regarding the serious allegations of irregularities, corruption, and abuse of power within the Department of Health and Education. These allegations undermine the public's trust in the provincial department and its commitment to good governance, accountability, and transparency," reads ActionSA's letter. "Specifically the allegations against the MEC of Health regarding the abuse of power in relation to Vuma FM and the presenter Jacinta Ngobese, as well as the allegations of interference in the tender process for the nutrition programme by the MEC of Education, are grave and require immediate attention. "It is particularly concerning that you have remained silent on these matters, despite your previous rhetoric on issues such as illegal immigration. Notably, Jacinta Ngobese has been a vocal advocate against illegal immigration, and it is alarming that she is allegedly being victimised for her stance. Your silence on this matter raises questions about your commitment to protecting those who speak out against issues you have publicly condemned." Vuma FM issued a statement yesterday denying the Health MEC's involvement in the termination of Ngobese-Zuma's contract; however, just last month the station unveiled its new lineup with her still being the presenter of the midmorning show, The Cruise. The allegation was that Simelane had threatened to pull out all Department of Health advertising from the station, and she would also encourage other departments to do the same if Ngobese-Zuma was not removed. Yesterday, the Health MEC was on Ukhozi FM and clarified that the March and March movement, like every person, has a right to protest; however, every person in South Africa has a right to access health services if they are sick. She said her department can't turn away sick people from their facilities regardless of their immigration status, as it would open floodgates of legal action against the department. Simelane explained their conundrum as the department on undocumented immigrants citing the example of turning away a TB patient and the ripple effect it would have on them travelling by taxis and infecting other passengers who in turn infect others. She said there are discussions underway at the national level on a plan to have the immigrants' countries of origin help South Africa fund their healthcare. The DA's spokesperson on education, Sakhile Mngadi, who's also a member of the provincial legislature, said, "In the event that the allegations prove true, MEC Sipho Hlomuka must be removed from office without delay. Corruption cannot be tolerated at the expense of hungry children and the future of our province." And businesses that operate under the NSNP have also complained about irregularities and favouritism in the bidding process. The spokesperson for the Department of Education, Muzi Mahlambi, said, "The process is underway and has not been finalised for anyone to cry foul." He said they have no knowledge of these allegations, and those bidders who feel aggrieved know the relevant platform where to report their allegations. The programme has always had challenges like budget constraints and payment delays to service providers. Yesterday the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal, in a statement, welcomed Vuma FM's clarification on Ngobese-Zuma's contract and said this should put to bed the unfounded allegations against Simelane. On the issue of the nutrition tender, the ANC said, "The ANC understands that this process is at an appeal stage where those who have made bids and seek to appeal must forward their appeals to the Treasury Department. The ANC has full confidence that the provincial government has adequate capacity to handle appeals in a just and transparent manner."
The Citizen
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Vuma FM responds to Jacinta Ngobese's dismissal claims
Jancita joined Vuma FM in 2019. Vuma FM has responded to claims by presenter Jacinta Ngobese, who alleged that the station unfairly dismissed her. Ngobese released a statement this week, claiming the station terminated her contract without explanation. She said she was informed that her employment would be terminated, with her final day scheduled for 31 July. 'In 2019, I joined Vuma FM and over the years worked on several time slots, including The Drive and The Cruise. I served the station with dedication, commitment and tenacity, and rejected many offers primarily because Vuma FM was my second home. She added: 'On Tuesday, 15 July, I received a letter from my employer, terminating my employment contract without any reasons given to me. It has come to my attention that a complaint was brought by an external entity and/or individual. I shall not deal with the details of that complaint at this stage.' ALSO READ: Minnie Dlamini out as Selbeyonce returns to Gagasi FM Vuma FM 'sets the record straight' In a statement issued on Monday, Vuma FM clarified that Ngobese was not dismissed but the station did not renew her contract. 'The recent decision made by Vuma FM not to renew Mrs Ngobese-Zuma's contract as presenter is not a dismissal but a natural conclusion of an independent contractor's term. 'All of our presenter contracts are subject to annual renewal at the station's discretion, a standard practice in our industry.' The station added that the decision formed part of internal line-up changes. 'Vuma FM made the line-up changes based on internal, annual evaluation and not influenced by any external party. We would like to thank Mrs Ngobese-Zuma for her contribution to the station and wish her well in the future.' NOW READ: Gospel star Xolisa Kwinana arrested for alleged GBV
