In a shocking turn of events, Ukhozi FM presenter Zimiphi Biyela, fondly known as Zimdollar, has decided to halt her radio duties, fearing for her life after receiving threatening remarks from Police Minister Bheki Cele. Zimdollar’s decision is driven by concerns for her personal safety and her belief that her right to freedom of speech is being violated.
Speaking exclusively to the Sunday Independent, Zimdollar explained that the comments made by Minister Cele had instilled a real sense of danger, causing her to step back from her professional responsibilities. “Right now, I have not been reporting for duty, not because I have been fired or suspended, but because I fear for my life that police might kill me. I fear that they might come for me when I arrive or leave work,” she said.
The ordeal unfolded during one of her radio shows, “Dankie 12-3,” which she co-hosts with King Sfiso Sibiya. Zimdollar’s predicament began when she passionately discussed the tragic deaths of her two brothers, Lwazi Biyela and Ndumiso Teddy Biyela, along with three cousins, Lindokuhle Ziqubu, Thami Manyoni, and Nkululeko Dlamini. These individuals lost their lives in a fatal encounter with the National Intervention Unit (NIU) officers outside the Bhucanana police station in Empangeni.
During her broadcast, Zimdollar shed light on the circumstances surrounding the incident and expressed her deep-seated emotions regarding the loss of her loved ones. Her sincere commentary has seemingly provoked a response from Minister Cele, who is allegedly pressuring the public broadcaster to terminate her employment, citing her actions as “abusing airwaves.”
Zimdollar’s decision to step back from her radio duties underscores the complex and challenging environment in which media personalities operate. The right to freedom of speech is a fundamental pillar of democratic societies, and the intimidation of journalists and broadcasters for expressing their views raises serious concerns about the state of freedom of the press in the country.
As this situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the public and authorities will respond to the issues raised by Zimdollar’s predicament. The safety and freedom of media personnel to express their views without fear of reprisal are vital components of a functioning democracy, and this incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those in the industry.
