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Problems plague Thetha FM

Freddy Legodi

Freddy Legodi

Thetha FM, a community radio station in Orange Farm in the Vaal, is falling apart.

This because of the in-fighting between presenters and management. The situation was brought to light by disgruntled presenters and listeners.

William Phahlane, pictured, of Evaton West and Jeffrey Seleka of Orange Farm, who both used to work for Thetha FM, told Sowetan the station has been having problems since as far back as 2006 and nothing was done about it.

"The management has been using station resources for personal purposes," Phahlane claimed.

"The election of board members was not fair. Some members are office bearers of certain political parties, which is against the constitution of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) ."

Seleka said management had bought cars that were supposed to be licensed to the station but were licensed to individuals.

"The board was in the dark about this," he said.

A former board member, who did not want to be identified, said: "I am aware of the mismanagement of funds.

"The wife of station manager Jimmy Dlamini was paid a salary every month as a programme manager," said the former board member.

The disgruntled group took their frustration to Icasa and the National Community Radio Forum with the hope of getting help but nothing happened.

Dlamini denied all allegations when Sowetan contacted him.

"We don't have any problems and the station is running fine," he said.

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