Linda Ximba
It has been almost three months since Ukhozi FM presenter Sbu Buthelezi was last on air. And until now, fans of his hit gospel show Indumiso, haven’t been given an explanation.
Scrolla.Africa understands that the main reason Buthelezi has not been scheduled is because of a part-time job he had that has got him into trouble.
Buthelezi had apparently been running a trading company which landed him in hot water. Scrolla.Africa has been informed that some of Buthelezi’s clients began chasing him for returns which they believed he owed them.
When Buthelezi started dodging them, they apparently resorted to camping outside the SABC studio in Durban and demanded answers from him.
Said a source close to the Ukhozi presenter: “The station management decided to yank him off to sort out his issues for his side hustle. The station felt the accusations are damaging the SABC’s reputation because some clients have even gone to local newspapers to expose him.” Since he left, Thembeka Zondo-Cele has been holding the fort in Buthelezi’s absence.
Buthelezi told Scrolla.Africa that his side hustle is what forced him to step aside, but couldn’t reveal any further details.
“I am not allowed to comment on matters relating to the SABC but I can confirm that not being on air has to do with my side hustle. The station has asked me to sort out the issues. I’ll be back soon.”
SABC spokesperson Gugu Ntuli said Buthelezi has taken a break from radio to focus on his personal stuff.
“He is still one of our hired workers. He will return back on air soon.”
The gospel show once broke records when it topped the charts defeating the morning and the afternoon shows which played during the week.
The show has also scooped an award at the SABC Crown Gospel Awards.
Still on Ukhozi FM, Vuka Breakfast Show co-host Phumlani “DJ Sgqemeza” Mbatha has returned to the airwaves.
He was taken off air alongside show producers for a month. They were being accused of violating the station code by playing a song that was not on the playlist.
