Latest news with #LesediFM

Zawya
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
South Africa: Communications Committee Chairperson Honours Mme Sophie Mokoena as She Retires From the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Ms Khusela Sangoni Diko, has paid tribute to the South African Broadcasting Corporation's (SABC) International News Editor, Ms Sophie Mokoena, expressing deep gratitude for her outstanding contribution to journalism and public broadcasting over the past three decades. Widely known and respected as Mme Sophie in media and political circles across South Africa, Ms Mokoena began her distinguished broadcasting career in July 1994 as a current affairs anchor on Lesedi FM. Since then, she has devoted 31 years of exemplary service to the SABC, steadily ascending to her current role as International News Editor. As a political reporter, Mme Sophie built enduring professional relationships with leaders across the political spectrum. Her ability to gather and communicate reliable information played a critical role in informing and empowering the public during key moments in the nation's history. Throughout her career, Mme Sophie remained unwavering in her journalistic principles – resisting political influence, maintaining neutrality and upholding the highest standards of professionalism. Her integrity and dedication set her apart as a trusted voice in South African journalism. In her leadership role as International News Editor, she brought the same excellence and commitment to the global stage. Her diplomatic finesse and ability to engage heads of state and international stakeholders strengthened the SABC's reputation as a credible source of both local and international news. 'As she retires, we salute Mme Sophie for her invaluable service to the nation. She leaves behind a legacy of integrity, courage, and journalistic excellence. The SABC, and indeed South Africa, has been enriched by her contribution. We wish her a joyful retirement filled with rest, reflection,\ and quality time with her loved ones,' said Ms Diko. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.


The Citizen
21-05-2025
- The Citizen
Former Lesedi FM host DJ Skuzabell denies assaulting his wife
An assault case against DJ Skuzabell was dropped in May last year. Former Lesedi FM presenter DJ Skuzabell, real name Nkunyana Nkunyana, has spoken out for the first time about allegations that he assaulted his wife, Thakane Ramakau. This comes months after his estranged wife requested the withdrawal of the case at the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court in May 2024. Speaking on QwaQwa's Finest Podcast, in an episode released on Wednesday, DJ Skuzabell said the accusations have damaged his reputation and affected his career. 'What is painful now is that the situation affected my career. Today, I'm unemployed. Some people still look at me as someone who beats women,' he said. Despite the case being withdrawn, Skuzabell says the stigma remains, and the accusations have cost him jobs and industry relationships. 'I want to tell Mzansi today that I don't abuse women. That is why the case was withdrawn. I even went to counselling. 'Some of my former colleagues no longer call me, but I understand — it's their choice not to associate with me because of what happened.' In April last year, Ramakau told Daily Sun that she had endured ongoing abuse during their marriage. She claimed things escalated after DJ Skuzabell began a relationship with a younger woman from Botshabelo, with whom he moved in. She alleged that he had assaulted her when she disagreed with him taking their furniture to his new partner's place. ALSO READ: WATCH: 'Why is Gagasi catching fire?' – reactions as Lesedi FM presenter Ba2cada claims he earns R180K DJ Skuzabell maintains he is innocent In the podcast, Skuzabell disputes this, claiming he did not lay a hand on her. 'The men who helped me move the couches are my witnesses,' he said in the podcast. The couple had been together since 2002. Ramakau reportedly said she withdrew the case for the emotional well-being of their children. DJ Skuzabell, however, insists the case was dropped due to a lack of evidence. 'If you have beaten someone and they get you arrested, the first thing that needs to be there is proof; there should be bruises, but there was nothing like that. There was no medical report that she sustained injuries. 'She ended up saying I didn't [do it], that is why the case was withdrawn — because there was no evidence.' NOW READ: Abongwe Mseleku on dealing with the fame, learning how to cook and the power of social media