Durban’s leading regional radio station, Vuma FM, has suspended well-known presenter Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma with immediate effect, ending her six-year run as host of the mid-morning show Cruise with Jacinta.
A spokesperson for Vuma FM, owned by Arena Holdings, cited “strategic programming adjustments” as the reason for her sudden departure. However, insiders suggest the decision may be linked to her outspoken on-air commentary, particularly during a recent segment where she encouraged civic activism—a discussion that reportedly drew strong reactions from listeners and advertisers.
Ngobese-Zuma joined Vuma FM six years ago and quickly became a favorite due to her engaging style and community-focused content. Her show consistently attracted strong listenership across KwaZulu-Natal, and she played an active role in regional social campaigns and live events.
The suspension has sparked mixed reactions. Many fans expressed support online, with some launching the hashtag #BringBackJacinta on social media. Others, however, backed the station’s decision, suggesting that evolving audience preferences require new voices and tighter editorial control.
Vuma FM emphasized its commitment to “Inspirational, Family & Community Values” and announced a revised daytime lineup, with a new host to be revealed soon. Ngobese-Zuma has not yet commented publicly, but sources close to her say she is disappointed but considering new opportunities, possibly in podcasting or digital content.
The move highlights the challenges facing traditional radio as stations balance audience expectations, commercial pressures, and competition from digital platforms. As Vuma FM rolls out its new schedule, the question remains whether listeners and advertisers will embrace the changes.
Political Movement
Ngobese-Zuma, who also founded the contentious March in March movement earlier this year, hinted that her activism may have cost her the radio gig she once described as her “second home.”
The movement, which campaigns against illegal immigration, has been met with a fierce backlash from various quarters, including political figures, NGOs like the Helen Suzman Foundation, and certain government officials.
Sources close to the station, who spoke to Sunday World on condition of anonymity, claim that Vuma FM came under increasing pressure from political and civil society groups to distance itself from Ngobese-Zuma. A senior insider alleged that sponsors were uncomfortable with the March in March campaign’s messaging, labelling it xenophobic and divisive, a characterisation Ngobese-Zuma and her supporters fiercely reject.