Dhlomo vs Nkayi: Why ‘Idols SA’ judge Unathi was axed from Kaya FM

Television and radio personality Unathi Nkayi was allegedly fired from Kaya FM on Wednesday 17 November after a heated argument with fellow radio host Sizwe Dhlomo. 

KAYA FM FIRES UNATHI 

Kaya FM announced that Unathi Nkayi had been fired on Wednesday 17 November.

“Kaya 959 can confirm that certain incidents had occurred, which resulted in the breakdown of trust between the two parties. The business can further confirm that due process was followed and the decision was therefore made to part ways with Ms Nkayi,” writes the radio station.

City Press reports that the Idols SA judge was fired after a heated argument with Sizwe Dhlomo. Unathi allegedly lodged a formal complaint against Dhlomo with the HR department. She accused Dhlomo of being unprofessional and verbally abusing her after he was late for his show. 

“Sizwe was supposed to come in for his show and release her. Radio hosting rules state that the previous host can’t leave until the next one arrives, so she was angry he was late,” said a source to the publication. 

“She went on about this toxic patriarchal thing in radio which has to end. She kept saying that she was going to make an example of him and was swearing at his in IsiXhosa,” the source continued. 

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UNATHI LODGES A FORMAL COMPLAINT AGAINST SIZWE DHLOMO

The HR department reportedly took the complaint seriously.

“HR took it seriously. They thought Sizwe had threatened her because she said she was afraid for her life and that she couldn’t work in such an environment. She said that if Sizwe remained on the air, she’d go to social media and approach the EFF for support,” said the source. 

The publications reports that Dhlomo was made aware of the complaint laid against him. Another source revealed that the microphones surrounding the pair was recording during the altercation. 

“Sizwe immediately asked HR to access the audio and listen to it because that would serve as evidence of what had been said. They said they’d investigate but Sizwe insisted the matter be handled immediately because he didn’t want the matter being leaked to the media or risk being suspended while they investigated,” said the source. 

After the recordings were listened to HR provided Unathi with the opportunity to retracted her complaint. However, she refused and insisted Dhlomo be taken off air. 

SIZWE LAYS HIS OWN COMPLAINT 

Dhlomo then laid his own complaint against Unathi for spreading false rumours about him. 

“Sizwe came with voice notes and screengrabs with people. He said that Unathi had never once complained about him being unprofessional until she had had the outburst the previous day. However, it seemed she had been discussing his alleged unprofessionalism with someone who didn’t work at Kaya FM,” continued the source. 

Dhlomo confirmed that the incident did in fact take place. 

“She accused me of verbal abuse, which is very serious allegation and obviously a lie,” said Dhlomo to the publication.

“After everything that transpired, I did open my own case against her – but I have no idea whether that was the reason she herself was fired,” he continued.