Minnie Dlamini Distances Herself from Sol Phenduka’s Kaya 959 Dismissal Amid Ongoing Legal Battle
Television star Minnie Dlamini has clarified that she played no part in Kaya 959’s decision to dismiss broadcaster and DJ Sol Phenduka, despite the fact that his offensive remarks about her were at the centre of the controversy.
Phenduka, who co-hosted the breakfast show alongside Sizwe Dhlomo, was suspended last month before ultimately being removed from the station. Kaya 959 initially remained silent on the reasons behind his removal but later confirmed that the dismissal was linked to derogatory comments he made earlier this year on the popular Podcast and Chill with MacG, where he is a co-host.
Reacting to the news of Phenduka’s dismissal, Dlamini told News24:
“While I am not involved in Kaya 959’s internal decisions, I do appreciate that institutions are recognising the seriousness of the derogatory remarks that were made. My hope is that justice is served and that no other woman has to endure such treatment moving forward.”
Her statement comes as she continues to pursue a separate legal case against Phenduka and his co-host, MacGyver “MacG” Mukwevho. Sunday World reported in July that Dlamini had approached the Equality Court, accusing the two men of hate speech, harassment based on sex or gender, and unfair discrimination.
According to the publication, Dlamini is demanding R2.5 million in damages — R1 million to herself and R1.5 million to a women’s organisation. “The matter is still pending, and we are still awaiting an official response through the proper legal channels,” she confirmed when asked about the case.
The actress and media personality first announced her intention to take legal action in May after rejecting Mukwevho’s public apology. At the time, she argued that his statement lacked sincerity and was motivated more by a desire to protect his platform than to take true accountability.
“An apology offered only after the damage is done and reputations are on the line is not a meaningful act of accountability, especially when it comes from a platform that has made misogyny part of its brand,” Dlamini said.
She further described the comments not as an isolated mistake but as part of a consistent pattern. “This was not a lapse in judgement. It was a reflection of values consistently displayed and defended by the show and its host.”
This was not the first time Dlamini’s name had come up on the controversial podcast. Years earlier, before her 2017 wedding, Mukwevho remarked: “No one in this industry is going to marry Minnie Dlamini because we all know what she’s been up to.”
Phenduka, meanwhile, has yet to comment publicly on his dismissal from Kaya 959. The station has also not elaborated on whether his suspension and subsequent dismissal were influenced by the pending Equality Court case.
For Dlamini, however, the issue extends beyond her own personal experience. She has been vocal about wanting her case to stand as an example of how harmful speech and misogyny should be confronted in the public sphere.
By distancing herself from Kaya 959’s decision, she has made it clear that her focus lies squarely on the court proceedings and on ensuring accountability through formal legal channels. “My hope is that justice is served,” she reiterated.
The Equality Court case continues to unfold, with both Phenduka and Mukwevho expected to respond through legal representation. In the meantime, Dlamini’s stance highlights the growing scrutiny of misogynistic commentary in the South African entertainment and broadcasting industry — and how institutions are beginning to reckon with the consequences of such behaviour.
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