The founder of an anti-illegal migration movement, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma is taking legal action against Vuma FM following what she describes as the abrupt and unexplained termination of her independent contractor agreement earlier this month.

In a media statement issued by her company, Jacinta Media, the broadcaster revealed that her legal representatives had written to the station on August 1, seeking reasons for the sudden decision, which Vuma FM described as a “non-renewal.”

She said the timing was unusual, as it occurred mid-month and at the start of a new line-up, something she insists has “never occurred on radio ever.”

After weeks of silence, Vuma FM only responded on August 21. However, the presenter who founded the anti-illegal migration movement, March in March, said the reply failed to provide substantive reasons for the termination, with the station instead insisting they were under no obligation to disclose them. 

“I categorically reject that reasoning, as it has no basis in law,” said Ngobese-Zuma. She explained that she had decided to pursue the matter legally after waiting five weeks without being furnished with reasons. 

“Even after employing appropriate legal avenues to request the disclosure of such information, they have persisted in withholding the reasons, notwithstanding the factual circumstances known to me,” the statement read.

The presenter said her decision was guided by two main considerations: protecting her professional reputation and promoting transparency in the industry. 

“In the media and entertainment industry, reputation is paramount. After all my years of dedicated service, I do not wish to exit the station under a cloud of uncertainty while a contrary narrative circulates in the public,” she said.

She added that transparency could help prevent others in the industry from experiencing the same treatment.

Despite expressing disappointment in how her relationship with Vuma FM ended, she noted that she had hoped to part ways on amicable terms. She stated that she will continue to concentrate on new initiatives and advancements while her legal team works to resolve the issue.

“I remain committed to upholding the highest ethical standards and professionalism expected of me,” she said.

The award-winning radio presenter’s exit from Vuma FM resulted in a social media-driven boycott of the radio station from her followers who claim they only became aware of the regional commercial radio station through her. Some unfollowed the radio station on social media pages.

She was the presenter of the mid-morning show, The Cruise, which addressed many socio-economic and mental health issues, like drugs, alcohol, poverty, depression and unemployment, before her contract was abruptly terminated.

Her movement’s members have been doing unsanctioned patients’ screening tests at public health facilities to deter undocumented immigrants from visiting the facilities.

This has placed March and March at the crosshairs of KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane and other civil organisations like the Helen Suzman Foundation.

Vuma FM hadn’t responded at the time of publishing and the story will be updated when they do.

Source link