14/08/2026
Jozi FM: CEO SEAT DRAMA
The Jozi FM leadership saga has taken another turn.
Two days ago, reports said Dr Mpho Mhlongo had been suspended as CEO and Collen Hans was brought in to replace him.
Now the story has flipped: Mhlongo is back, and Hans has reportedly been removed.
The Soweto Media Resource Centre (SMRC) board has rejected the suspension reports entirely, confirming Mhlongo remains the legitimate and fully active CEO. In a statement, the board said:
"The SMRC board of directors categorically confirms that Dr Mpho Mhlongo remains fully active and recognised as the legitimate Chief Executive Officer of the organisation."
The board called the suspension reports false and unauthorised.
Where The Drama Started
The tension stems from months of friction between Mhlongo and former board chairperson Rapitse Montsho, linked to allegations over more than R34 million in National Lotteries Commission funding given to the station for projects including a multimedia centre.
Questions were later raised about how the money was handled.
Montsho has denied wrongdoing. Reports indicate fraud and theft charges against him were provisionally withdrawn in March 2026, with the matter referred for further investigation.
The board says it remains committed to protecting the station's integrity and pursuing accountability "without interference from individuals under criminal scrutiny."
Contracts And Staff Conduct
The board also addressed cancelled contracts for some presenters and service providers, saying HR handled the terminations after documented breaches of service level agreements and codes of conduct, including alleged substance use at work and staff abandoning broadcast posts without valid reason.
Business As Usual
Despite the internal turmoil, Jozi FM says it remains fully operational, continuing to serve listeners across Soweto with quality broadcasting and news.
The board urged listeners and stakeholders to disregard "unauthorised communication intended to destabilise the station."
