
By Obakeng Maje
Taung- It seems is not raining, but pouring at a local radio station, Vaaltar FM.
The Station Manager dismissed close to nine presenters after they allegedly disrupted the smooth-running of the shows.
The presenters confronted the Station Manager, Ganetsang Sebele and the Board of Directors chairperson, Tsholofelo Moepeng demanding the station’s bank statement and financial records.
Vaaltar FM allegedly received R350 000 from Greater Taung Local Municipality for their Talk shows where the municipality will engage with the community talking about the issues that affect them.
The municipality bought a slot for Mondays and Thursdays between 18:00- 19:00.
On Thursday, the presenters allegedly denied the municipality officials access to enter the studio for the scheduled show.
Fired presenters accused the station management in defrauding the station more than R350 000.
“We were fired because we demanded the bank statement and the financial records. We believe there are discrepancies because the management could not prove how they’ve spent the money. Transparency is needed, but the management see it differently” one presenter said.
According to our mole, all fired presenters will approach The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) on Monday to launch unfair dismissal case against the station management.
Board of Directors chairperson, Tsholofelo Moepeng said the presenters were not fired after they suspect that Vaaltar FM management swindled money from the company, rather expelled after they disturbed the smooth-running of the programmes.
“It is not true that staff members were being expelled for demanding financial records of the station. But it is true that they were being expelled not by the management, but by the Station for intentionally disrupting the normal broadcasting. Further, I do not have any knowledge regarding any alleged financial discrepancy, but the major concern to my understanding with relation to R350 000 was on how it was spent” Board of Director, Tsholofelo Moepeng said.
If what our mole is saying is anything to go by, apparently the community members will submit a ‘vote of no confidence’ memorandum in attempt of dissolving the board.
Vaaltar FM posted names of all fired presenters on their Facebook page, Vaaltarfmnews, but deleted the post few minutes after the some of listeners criticized the idea.
Names Of All Fired Presenters
1. Phenyo “PC” Kujane
2. Motshidisi Letlhogela
3. Tumelo “The Big & Tall” Mogolegeng
4. Agisanang Scuff
5. Judge Baardman
6. Jane Nku
7. Kenewang Phepheng
8. Olebogeng Molale
9. Thato “Dj Notorius” Keolatotse (Suspended)
10. Lesego Molelekwa (Receptionist)
11. Moalosi Lepholletse
-TDN
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