Malema song: listeners threatened to run naked

A Facebook war has broken out following the suspension of Ukhozi FM DJs Khathide “Thsatha” Ngobe and Ngizwe “Zulu Charmer” Mchunu for playing the song Malema.

The station’s listeners, some of whom have threatened to run naked outside the SABC headquarters, are up in arms following the suspension of the DJs, with a Facebook page created in support of them titled “Friends and Supporters of Zulu Charmer”.

The controversial song by Maskandi band Izingane Zoma calls for leaders to reprimand Malema for his disrespectful behaviour towards the elderly, and question his upbringing.

An inside source within the station revealed the SABC wanted to fire the pair for playing the song, but the station had pleaded for their suspension only.

SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said the pair had not been suspended on the basis of the nature of the song, but because they had broken station rules. “The SABC has a music playlisting committee that reviews songs before they are aired to the public. These DJs played this song before it had been approved by the committee.”

5FM DJ Gareth Cliff also played Malema on his breakfast show. Kganyago said Cliff would also be punished if he had broken station rules.

The DJs were not immediately available for comment.

The same group released a song about President Jacob Zuma before he was elected ANC president in 2007. The song, entitled Msholozi, Zuma’s clan name, called for him to be president.

“There is nothing wrong with that song and there is no cursing,” commented one Facebook user in support of the DJs in the latest row.

Other users have threatened to march and strike outside the SABC’s offices if the popular DJs are not reinstated promptly.

“Izingane Zoma have been naming songs with political figures, just because it is Julius Malema now, there is a problem. This is nonsense, why did Obama not complain?” asked another Facebook user.

Some listeners were in support of the station’s decision, saying the pair “talked too much” on their show. “They were turning Sigiya Ngengoma (Jive to the Music) into jive to your mouth, they are talking politics, this show has nothing to do with politics, it is a Maskandi show,” said one Facebook user. - Independent on Saturday