Following Penny Ntuli’s confirmation of the rumours that she would not be returning to the Durban-based commercial radio station, a number of radio presenters have come forward to support the former Gagasi FM presenter.
On Monday, Ntuli shared startling information on her social media accounts when she disclosed that Gagasi FM had made her an offer of R2 800 a month for a three-hour show.
She also cleared the air about an article that had been written about her and rumours that she was leaving the station.
Unappreciated and disrespected
Ntuli clarified that she accepted the new show she was cast for until she was informed that her monthly salary would be R 2 800.
“I felt unappreciated and disrespected but calmed myself down and went back to negotiate with my superiors to ask for a salary review, but they refused,” she wrote.
“Ayanda Melansi suggested [during the negotiations] that I consider other things other than being on air; I then took the decision to ask them not to renew my contract this year.”
Penny Lebyane, a seasoned media personality, took to her X account and said that because it is contract-negotiation season and they are scared of losing their jobs, many radio broadcasters will not rally behind Ntuli.
Others are too opportunistic and hypocritical to say anything.
Radio is unpleasant
Lebyane went on to say that regardless of talent, radio is unpleasant, but much more so for women, especially on black radio stations.
“It’s actually better when you are not talented to make a quick buck since the #It Girls and #Influencer Era.”
“If I told you how much I make on the radio, you’d be equally shocked. Even with the highest amount I made when I left Metro FM in 2010/11, I was never paid more than $30k [R567], even when I hosted from 12pm to 3pm,” wrote Lebyane.
Pitiful pay in the industry
Radio host Samora Mangesi declared that he would never stop speaking out against the pitiful pay in the radio industry and that, in an effort to self-regulate the sector, he made the decision years ago to share his rate with other professionals.
“Regardless of what someone does outside of your employ, it is my belief that one should still be paid a living wage that affords them decency and respect,” wrote Mangesi.
“I say pay people decently, if not for their own sake, for yours and your reputation.”
