On Thursday the 30th of January, Ukhozi FM listeners were shocked when it was reported that the station’s top DJ, Linda ‘Mr Magic’ Sibiya, had been fired. Infuriated by this, some listeners lambasted the station manager Bonga Mpanza, accusing him of poor management skills while others threatened to boycott the station unless Mr Magic was brought back.
Initially, Mr Magic’s political interests were cited as the reason for him getting the boot. It was rumoured that he participated in several ANC campaigns and urged people to vote for the ruling party, which is against the laws of the SABC.
However, a report from the Sunday edition of Isolezwe newspaper reveals that there may be more than one reason for Mr Magic’s dismissal. According to the report, there are charges of corruption hanging over him. His company, Magic Communications, is said to have inappropriately received a sponsorship of R1.8 million from Edcon. It is reported that the money was meant to help him organise an SABC event to honour Ukhozi FM legends. Edcon confirmed making payment to Mr Magic’s company, believing that they were working in collaboration with the SABC. However, the SABC did not receive any money and the event never saw the light of day.
Mr Magic told Isolezwe that the Edcon sponsorship was just being used as an excuse to get rid of him from the station. He said he will explain about it on Wednesday in a press conference. According to what he said, it seems like his dismissal was a consequence of a conflict between him and the station manager. He said Mpanza knows why he fired him and advised the people to wait for the press conference on Wednesday where they will hear the whole truth. He promised to reveal Ukhozi FM’s dark secrets. He said he never wanted to reveal them but he will because there are people spreading lies about him within the station. He feels that he should have been issued a written warning or suspended instead of being fired.
It is unclear if Mr Magic would take his job back if he was given a second chance. His Twitter profile indicates that he may be interested in pursuing a career in politics. On Saturday he confirmed his support for the ANC. “ANC is my home and I’m not ashamed. It’s my right. I can campaign now freely for my organization. So people don’t speculate just wait for me,” he tweeted. Sibiya will address the media in a press conference to be held at the Durban City Hall on Wednesday (February 5th).
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Okungapheli kuyahlola. It's sad to see him leave like this.
akasazi umpanza ukuthi akenzeni ,manenkinga mhlambe eziphathelene nomndeni wakhe ,azingahlangani nomsebenzi, okodwa mlindos kodwa yini.ilive iyathathwa.
Mpanza is abusing his powers. Firing someone without warning is unacceptable, but let's wait for Wednesday and hear what Mr Magic has to say. I hope Mpanza will also be there. We should also hear his side of the story.
Mr magic mina ngohlezi ngikweseka futhi nginesiqiniseke sokuthu uma ungangena komunye umsakazo sokulandela n uyoba nabalaleli abaningi, i wish u all da best my brother we will always miss u
hawu kodwa mlindos we will surpot u into eyenziwe kuwe yimbi
Sikhathele umpanza waqala ngotalagu sekungulinda manje cha unenkinga shame akasakhi kodwa uyasimosha istashi we wil always miss u mlindos ubunosizo kumphakathi we2
Ayi sesiyozwa ngawe Magic too much hav been said so its time 4 u say what left unsaid
My breakfast will never be the same without u Mr Magic.Kodwa ke ukuwa kwendlu ukvuka kwenye the best is yeat to come ,its not over until God says it over.
Mr magic uzakhile izimpilo zabantu nemizi eminingi. Ngicabanga ukuthi konke lokhu okukuvelele uNkulunkulu kukhona lapha akasekudinga khona, ngoba u fase 1 wakho naye sewuwuqedile. akekho oyofana nawe bhuti we are 100% behind you.
Ay angiyizwa kahle, ukhozi liba yi joke. Ungaxosha ulinda ngampela uma ungumuntu ophilayo, sinawe sotobe akujiki, its not yet over.
Yo kwaze kwa buhlungu i dont think ill ever listen to this station again i was listening to it because of Mlindos so who fired him has fired me also bye radio zulu