Hot 91.9fm says it’s fired radio DJ Sasha Martinengo for
breaching their code of conduct.
The station's managing director Lloyd Madurai says
Martinengo has been sacked with immediate effect after he referred to EFF
leader Julius Malema as a monkey on the station's breakfast show on Tuesday.
The EFF has reacted and says it will be laying a complaint
with police against the well-known media personality.
Madurai says they believe they've done the right thing.
He said: “Sasha Martinengo then went on as part of a joke
to say, ‘Are people still listening to this monkey?’ We believe the values of
this radio station include a full and unconditional commitment to the South
African Bill of Rights and based on this we feel that Sasha Martinengo violated
the station’s code of conduct.”
Martinengo's lawyer Cliff Alexander has responded: “I think
people, including yourself, know that Sasha Martinengo is not a racist. It’s as
simple as that. He came out, it was on air and he immediately issued a public
apology, unreservedly so.”
Alexander says they might challenge the dismissal. “That is another issue he will take up with labour lawyers
and ask for a determination. An opinion will be stated.”
He adds Martinengo’s comment has been taken out of context
and they will explain in court.
“Sasha has been advised to refrain from commentary or
explaining the content or in what concept the word monkey was utilised in
addressing Mr Malema.”
In a tweet on Tuesday morning, Martinengo apologised but
didn't retract his comment.
He said: "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.”
In a statement, the station's managing director apologised
to Malema.
“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.”
He reiterated the station’s commitment to all communities
irrespective of their beliefs.
“To this end, the station renews its commitment to the
Icasa Broadcasting Standards and to the national Constitution and has taken
detailed remedial steps to ensure non-recurrence of such behaviour.” ewn
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