Phat Joe 'fires helper via SMS'

04 February 2016 - 02:44 By Philani Nombembe

Metro FM DJ Phat Joe's former domestic worker is living on a R340 monthly state grant after he allegedly dismissed her via SMS. Nontembiso Vumazonke, who worked for the DJ for five years, has spoken out about the pain of losing her job.On Tuesday, the SA Domestic Services and Allied Workers' Union said it had reported Phat Joe, whose real name is Majota Khambule, to the CCMA and Department of Labour for unfair dismissal and for failure to register her for the Unemployment Insurance Fund.The DJ was suspended from Metro FM last week for bad-mouthing his colleague Bonang Matheba on air.Vumazonke, a mother of two, said she worked for Phat Joe three days a week for R2 600 a month. She claims Phat Joe duped her into believing he was relocating to dismiss her and hire someone else."I sent him an SMS on the morning of December 1 last year informing him I had to go and get medication from the clinic," said Vumazonke. She said Phat Joe's response shattered her.The SMS purported to have been sent by Phat Joe reads: "No problem Priscilla. I also wanted you to know that it looks like we will be moving out of Rockwell at the end of December. So this will be the last month that you will be working with us. I'll explain when I see you."Vumazonke said Phat Joe did not explain anything to her when she returned to work.She said she tried to engage the DJ about her dismissal - which she deemed unfair - but he refused to take her calls. At her wits' end, she reported him to the domestic workers' union.The union said Phat Joe refused to take calls from it and failed to respond to e-mails.Phat Joe could not be reached for comment...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.