Vuma FM has addressed the swirling speculation around the sudden departure of veteran broadcaster Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, insisting her exit was a straightforward contract conclusion—not the result of political interference.
The station revealed that Ngobese-Zuma’s one-year independent contractor agreement naturally expired and was simply not renewed. They emphasized it was part of a routine performance review and denied any external pressure, particularly from KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane.
Ngobese-Zuma, a familiar voice on Vuma FM for the past six years, was reportedly informed of the decision on July 15 without clear reasoning. She has since suggested that a behind-the-scenes complaint may have influenced the move, though no concrete proof has surfaced.
Rumors have intensified after claims that MEC Simelane allegedly threatened to pull government advertising if the station retained Ngobese-Zuma, allegedly due to her bold activism. Both the station and the KZN Department of Health have categorically denied any such involvement or pressure.
As her final broadcast approaches on July 31, Ngobese-Zuma has expressed gratitude to her audience and vowed to remain active in her advocacy work through her “March in March” initiative. Her exit leaves many listeners questioning where the lines between media independence and political influence are drawn.
