Popular radio DJ Sasha Martinengo has been fired by Hot 91.9 FM for calling Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema a "monkey" on air.
The station's managing director Lloyd Madurai said the incident happened during a breakfast show at the Gauteng radio station early Tuesday, where Martinengo said ''And people still listen to this monkey...'', referring to Malema.
''The values of this radio station include a full and unconditional commitment to the South African Bill of Rights and an all-encompassing respect for all our community, irrespective of their political point of view. The statement by the presenter violated the station’s code of conduct and its commitment to our national democratic values and furthermore is viewed in an extremely serious light,'' Madurai said in a statement posted on Facebook.
''As such, notwithstanding the presenter’s immediate and unreserved apology, the station has forthwith elected to remove him from all involvement with the radio station with immediate effect. Furthermore, the station hereby issues a public apology to Mr Malema and deeply regrets any adverse inference that the conduct of the presenter has had.''
Martinengo was previously at 5FM for years before moving to Hot 91.9 FM. He is also a presenter of Formula 1 on Supersport.
In a tweet posted following his sacking, Martinengo said he stood by his comment.
''I’m sorry if I offended anyone, but I stand by what I said. Anyone, irrespective of their race, colour, creed, religion, gender who disrespects a woman is a monkey,'' Martinengo tweeted on Tuesday.
The EFF responded to Martinengo being fired but said it was not enough and they will be laying criminal charges.
- African News Agency (ANA)
