Latest news with #Channel405
The Citizen
05-08-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Aldrin Sampear dumps journalism for government job after leaving news channel
Sampear has bagged a cushy government job quicker than most unemployed South Africans get responses to job applications After recently confirming his departure from Newzroom Afrika and announcing that he is taking a break from broadcasting, journalist Aldrin Sampear has dumped his media duties for a government job. 'I have joined the Department of Tourism under the leadership of Minister Patricia De Lille,' said Sampear in a statement on Tuesday morning. Since his road rage episode in April, which saw a leaked video of Sampear arguing with another driver in Randburg, things have been tense for the broadcaster, with some calling for his removal from Newzroom Afrika. Sampear was placed on an indefinite leave of absence by Newzroom Afrika after the incident. A month and a few days later, Sampear apologised to the news channel and his colleagues, but in his apology, there was a glaring omission of the woman with whom he had a verbal altercation. 'It was really disappointed that he did not even recognise his role in the incident beyond acknowledging that it happened,' said the alleged victim in the road rage, Laricia Augusto. ALSO READ: 'Where's my apology?': Road rage victim still waiting for Aldrin Sampear to say sorry to her Sampear joins government Last Thursday, Sampear confirmed his exit from Newzroom Afrika on air. 'Unfortunately, or fortunately, this is the end of my journey with Channel 405, Newzroom Afrika, and it is also a pause in my broadcasting career, which has been incredibly, incredibly illustrious,' he said a week ago. However, less than a week after the announcement, Sampear has bagged a cushy government job quicker than most unemployed South Africans get responses to job applications. He said he resigned from Newzroom Afrika because 'my skill has been sought for different challenges.' ALSO READ: WATCH: Aldrin Sampear bows out of Newzroom Afrika Sampear's epiphany In a post on X, Sampear said his decision to accept the offer to join the government was inspired by Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya's PHD dissertation, The Negotiated Nation: Evaluating Nation Building in the Post-Apartheid South Africa. 'Reflections on Eskom board chairperson Mteto Nyati's decision to answer the call to Public Service, have convinced me that there must more that this darkie can do for his country,' shared Sampear. Speaking in a tone that would make late US president John F. Kennedy and his new boss, De Lille, happy, Sampear said he wanted to serve the country. 'This beautiful nation has done so much for me. I'm indebted,' he said. 'State policies, like social grants and free primary healthcare, helped pull me out of poverty, and journalism was the vehicle. Kasie FM, my first broadcasting home, was itself supported by a state agency, the MDDA.' NOW READ: WATCH: TV news anchor Aldrin Sampear apologises for road rage incident
The Citizen
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
WATCH: Aldrin Sampear bows out of Newzroom Afrika
Said he will also be taking a break from his broadcasting career. Broadcast journalist Aldrin Sampear has officially parted ways with Newzroom Afrika. He announced his departure live on air during AM Report on Thursday morning. 'The time has come for me to announce that today is my last broadcast of AM Report on Newzroom Afrika, Channel 405,' he said. Sampear reflected on his journey, thanking the team and viewers for their support. 'It's been an incredible journey. I truly appreciate the people I've worked with — creative, dedicated individuals who've built this flagship programme. 'To our viewers, thank you for welcoming me into your homes, your offices and onto your phones,' he said. ALSO READ: 'End of an era': Shalate Sekhabi exits House of Zwide Taking a break from broadcasting Aldrin also said he would be taking a break from broadcasting. 'Unfortunately, or fortunately, this is the end of my journey with Channel 405, Newzroom Afrika, and it is also a pause in my broadcasting career, which has been incredibly, incredibly illustrious,' he said. Sampear's exit comes months after he was placed on indefinite leave in May. This followed an alleged road rage incident in Randburg in April involving a 20-year-old woman. READ MORE: TV news anchor Aldrin Sampear placed on 'indefinite leave' after road rage incident [VIDEO] In a public statement, Sampear admitted to being involved in a 'traffic incident' but did not confirm the assault or bullying allegations. 'I was involved in a traffic incident which resulted in a confrontation between myself and another driver. 'Having had time to reflect on these events, I want to take full responsibility for my actions,' he said. Sampear returned to the screen nearly a month later. NOW READ: Wedding bells for Maskandi star Khuzani Mpungose
