Award-winning comedian Skhumbuzo Skhumba Hlophe has rejected a lucrative offer from the SABC to join Metro FM.
Sunday World can reveal today that Hlophe was on the Metro FM’s shopping list to join DJ Sabby on his breakfast show from the April 3.
Two independent sources who are close to both stations confirmed that Hlophe, a co-host of an off-the-chain midnight show on Kaya FM with Thomas Msengana, turned a blind eye on the fat carrot dangled in front of him by South Africa’s biggest commercial radio station.
A mole, who did not want to be named for fear of victimisation, said after receiving the mouth-watering offer, Hlophe approached his bosses and informed them about SABC offer and and that he was tempted to accept it.
“A meeting was held where his bosses told him not to leave because the station has bigger future plans for him,” said the deep throat.
“But he was told that if he wanted to leave, he was at liberty to leave and no one was going to stand in his way.”
After introspection, Hlophe sneezed at Metro FM’s offer.
“Not that here at Kaya FM he has job security, but the reality is that there is no guarantee that he would be on the line-up of the Metro FM in April next year, because things there change quite often,” said the tipster.
Another informant said Metro FM management was disappointed that Hlophe turned down the station’s offer.
“They so wanted him to come to the station because, although he is relatively new in the radio industry, he is a talented comedian who always leaves Kaya FM listeners in stitches,” said the source.
The source also confirmed that Kaya FM bosses convinced the stand-up comedian that his future in the radio world would not last should he make the move to Metro FM.
In June 2022, Hlophe and Msengana were moved from the breakfast show to an evening slot from 10pm to midnight, and on Fridays from 9pm to midnight.
The pair was replaced by Dineo Ranaka and Sol Phenduka.
Sunday World reported previously that the duo was removed from the show because the ratings had dropped drastically, and that their show had struggled to attract advertising.
When approached for comment, Lulama Mqina from Kaya FM said the station’s employees were at liberty to make their own decisions regarding employment offers they receive.
“Skhumba is a valued member of the Kaya 959 team, and we are pleased that after nine years with us, he continues to play a vital role on our platforms entertaining our audience.”
SABC acting spokesperson Mmoni Seapolelo failed to respond to written questions sent to her at the time of publishing.
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