Jozi FM has announced the termination of CEO Hector Mpho Mhlongo’s contract. This decision follows weeks of headlines reporting that the popular Soweto-based radio station is facing a severe governance and leadership crisis, characterized by board disputes, executive suspensions, and regulatory warnings from ICASA.
Widely published reports have highlighted an ongoing leadership battle at the station:
- CEO Suspension: The Soweto Media Resource Centre (SMRC) board suspended CEO Mpho Mhlongo in August 2026 and appointed Collen Hans as acting CEO.
- Premises Lockdown: Armed security reportedly locked down the station’s premises amid clashing authority claims between suspended and acting management.
- Court Challenges: Director Rapitse Peter Montsho launched urgent legal applications in the Gauteng High Court regarding rival factions claiming control of the board.
- ICASA Intervention: The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) warned the station to hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) or face drastic action from the regulatory body.
Last night, the Board issued a terse statement to media outlets at large, announcing the contract termination of the embattled CEO.
- The statement read:
JOZI FM ANNOUNCES TERMINATION OF CONTRACT OF MR. HECTOR MPHO MHLONGO
The Board of Directors of Soweto Media Resource Centre (SMRC), trading as Jozi FM, has resolved to terminate the contract of Mr. Hector Mpho Mhlongo with immediate effect.
Mr. Collen Hans will continue to act as the Interim CEO.
Jozi FM remains fully committed to compliance.
This publication spoke to Montsho regarding the forward plan following the dismissal of the CEO. He stated that the board of directors has unanimously approved the following immediate steps:
1. Stabilize Leadership
- Appoint Interim Leadership: Formally appoint Mr. Collen Hans as the Acting CEO and issue an immediate delegation of authority letter.
- Staff Notice: Issue a board communication to all staff as soon as possible to manage expectations and avoid confusion.
2. Legal and Regulatory Protection
- Regulatory Compliance: File the dismissal letter and Chairperson’s ruling with ICASA to demonstrate compliance and prove the Board acted decisively.
- ICASA Correspondence: Respond to all outstanding ICASA queries regarding the Terms of Reference.
- Asset Security: Secure all Jozi FM property, bank accounts, passwords, and email access previously held by Mr. Mhlongo.
- Forensic Audit: Conduct a forensic review of all decisions made by Mr. Mhlongo while he was on suspension.
3. Staff and Stakeholder Communication
- Staff Alignment: Convene an all-staff meeting to reassure employees and restore workplace morale.
- External Stakeholders: Issue official letters to ICASA, MDDA, donors, and Soweto community structures.
4. Return to Core Mandate
- Operational Focus: Refocus organization efforts on programming, compliance, and community upliftment.
- Oversight: The Board will continue to monitor organizational stability closely.
Countless attempts to solicit comment from the embattled CEO were fruitless. His three cellphones went unanswered. It would appear that he is avoiding the media or is steadfastly refusing to comment on recent developments. His associates, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that he might have decided to go underground due to embarrassment.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Jozi FM is South Africa’s largest and most listened-to community radio station, operating as a full-spectrum broadcaster rooted in Dube, Soweto
