Sizwe Dhlomo speaks after alleged abuse on former workmate Unathi Nkayi

Kaya FM drive time host Sizwe Dhlomo has all but denied a City Press news report claiming Idols SA judge Unathi Nkayi’s axing stemmed from an incident between the station’s two stars.

According to the publication, both Dhlomo and Nkayi were involved in a heated argument just weeks before her axing. Nkayi laid a complaint with HR against her colleague, accusing him of being unprofessional and verbally abusive towards her. The on-air stars were then called to account and Dhlomo had audio clips and screenshots to support his side of the story.

When Kaya FM announced Nkayi’s exit, the station did not go into detail as to what led to the decision.

“Nkayi’s contract has ended prematurely due to certain conduct that rendered the relationship intolerable going forward. 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,” read the statement.

While Unathi Nkayi has not said anything about the article, Sizwe Dhlomo released a brief statement which implies it may be true.

“I’d just like to state that in the context of GBV in our country & even on the backdrop of Kaya’s history as an organisation, a false abuse claim is not only malicious to those it’s levelled against but it also delegitimises the claims of thousands of victims whose cases fall apart because of lack of evidence. Such an egregious lie is a highly irresponsible thing to do!,” Dhlomo said.

Regarding the article in the City Press this morning, I’d just like to state that in the context of GBV in our country & even on the backdrop of Kaya’s history as an organisation, a false abuse claim is not only malicious to those it’s levelled against but…

— Sizwe Dhlomo (@SizweDhlomo) November 21, 2021

Nkayi hosted Midday Joy on Kaya FM from 12:00 and 15:00. The radio station says it will announce a replacement for her in due course.

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.