KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane faces serious accusations of forcing Vuma FM to terminate outspoken presenter and activist Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, allegedly because of her prominent role in the controversial March in March movement opposing illegal immigration.
According to Sunday World, insiders reveal that Simelane threatened to withdraw vital government advertising revenue unless Ngobese-Zuma was removed from the station. This financial pressure reportedly left Vuma FM with little choice but to abruptly fire Ngobese-Zuma on July 15, 2025, without any disciplinary hearing or clear explanation.
Ngobese-Zuma recently led a protest at Durban’s Addington Hospital, sparking heated debates due to the movement’s call to prioritize South African citizens over undocumented foreigners in accessing public healthcare.
While Simelane’s spokesperson, Ntokozo Maphisa, dismissed these claims as unfounded and emphasized the department’s commitment to health services, Vuma FM has remained silent, promising an official statement soon.
This unfolding controversy raises troubling questions about political influence on media freedom and activism in South Africa.
