Gerry dumps Gupta show
MEDIA personality Gerry Rantseli-Elsdon, the original face of the Guptas' news channel, ANN7, says she has dropped the broadcaster's flagship morning news show.
Rantseli-Elsdon (43) disputed suggestions by ANN7 insiders that she was fired from Vuka Africa because of declining viewer ratings.
"Ratings had nothing to to with my departure. And, to be honest, we are a very young channel that is still getting well on our feet, it's honestly too early to be worried about ratings," said the former face of Avon cosmetics.
"The show starts rather early in the morning, that was the only challenge I experienced," she added jokingly.
"My time with ANN7 has been rewarding through the launch and the settling-down process. I have no doubt that ANN7 has a bright future through its innovative approach to broadcasting.
"I have proposed several new ideas to the management team and we are currently discussing these."
Having shot to fame in the 1990s as a presenter on M-Net and an MC for high-profile events, Rantseli-Elsdon said she would love to go back to doing lifestyle and human interest shows.
"I'm glad that I was there to start off ANN7 and offer some sort of stability, but now that I'm back in the swing of things, I'm really keen to do something more creative in television, that is why I'm still in talks with ANN7."
ANN7 spokesman Gary Naidoo said Rantseli-Elsdon's departure from the morning news show was nothing but her decision "to do other things".
"Gerry has a contract with ANN7 which runs until February 21. Gerry has indicated to the management team that she will not be renewing the contract for the morning show.
"Gerry has confirmed that she is open to discussing a continued relationship with the channel."
Naidoo added that the channel was in discussions with Rantseli-Elsdon about other opportunities for her within the company. "We are sure that we will find an arrangement that works for both parties," he said.
Rantseli-Elsdon was suspended as secretary-general of the South African Red Cross Society last year for allegedly convening an unofficial meeting.