Sol Phenduka Fired by Kaya 959 After Misconduct Review

Kaya 959 has officially parted ways with radio personality, DJ, and podcaster Sol Phenduka, just days after suspending him. The Johannesburg-based station confirmed that his contract as the breakfast show’s content provider has been terminated with immediate effect following an internal review.

The decision comes after Sol, whose real name is Solomzi Phenduka, made controversial remarks about actress Minnie Dlamini during an episode of the MacG Vodcast, where he is also a co-host. Acting Managing Executive of Kaya 959, Dave Tiltmann, explained why the station could not allow the matter to slide.

Kaya 959 parts ways with breakfast show content provider Solomzi Phenduka.https://t.co/huH6HcVm5A

— Kaya ON 959 (@KayaON959) September 1, 2025

“Kaya 959 cannot and will not condone comments made on the MacG Vodcast, where Sol Phenduka is an integral part of the presenting team. Misogynistic remarks made about actress Minnie Dlamini were unacceptable and inconsistent with respect owed to women. As a content provider of our flagship breakfast show, his alignment with comments made on the vodcast does not reflect who we are as a station, nor what our listeners expect of us,” Tiltmann said.

According to Tiltmann, this was not the first time Sol had landed in hot water. He revealed that Sol had already given written assurance to the station in June 2023 that he would not repeat such behaviour. At the time, Sol admitted his responsibilities as a representative of the station, apologised to the Kaya 959 family and stakeholders, and promised to uphold the broadcaster’s values. Unfortunately, his latest actions were viewed as a “further material breach” of his contract.

Tiltmann made it clear that Kaya 959’s core values are non-negotiable.

“Trust, integrity, accountability, respect, and inclusivity are the foundations of Kaya 959. They guide everything we do on air, online and off air. We are answerable to our listeners, and when conduct falls short, we act decisively,” he explained.

The station stressed that its Independent Contractor Agreement allows for immediate termination if a public figure’s behaviour damages its reputation. Kaya 959 said it remains committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment while upholding strict broadcasting standards.

The firing follows weeks of speculation after Sol was suddenly suspended in late August 2025. Fans were left shocked when the station announced on Wednesday, 20 August, that he would not be on air from Thursday, 21 August, while an internal process was underway. At the time, Kaya 959 said:

“The station is committed to following due process, and no further details will be shared at this stage. Updates will be provided once the internal process has been concluded and a final decision has been reached.”

Breaking his silence shortly after the suspension, Sol insisted on the MacG Vodcast that he was innocent. “This happened this morning. When I left the meeting, they said don’t say anything. So, I don’t say anything because of the confidentiality clause. But I did nothing,” he said.

Now, with the final decision announced, Kaya 959 has cut all ties with him, marking the end of his journey with the station.