Tensions are reportedly running high behind the scenes at Ukhozi FM, with a growing rift between programs manager Langa Cele and senior producer Zandile Wardie coming to light. The clash, allegedly simmering for months, has now spilled into internal communications and TshisaLIVE has seen the emails.
At the centre of the dispute is Wardie’s reported exclusion from key Monday meetings she says are vital to her role at the station. Wardie, who was transferred from Auckland Park to the Durban-based SABC station, raised concerns directly in an email sent to Cele and copied to team members.
In the email, Wardie wrote:
“Hello Langa, I wanted to bring to your attention a concern regarding my exclusion from recent producer meetings, which I was informed about by some team members. As Ukhozi FM’s Senior Producer, I don’t need to reiterate that my role involves being deeply involved in everything from conceptualizing, content development and making creative decisions. These are crucial components of the direction we take, and being excluded from such meetings is of significant concern to me. We don’t work like that here at the SABC. There are no Lone Rangers at programming offices.”
Cele’s response, also obtained by TshisaLIVE, was swift and stern:
“Hi Zandi, This matter should have been raised directly with me. Copying the entire team and using a confrontational tone is not just inappropriate it’s unprofessional, disrespectful, and unacceptable! It undermines the standards of conduct I expect in this department and sets a poor example for the team you supervise. The sessions you’re referring to were initiated because I identified serious concerns in how the department is operating concerns particularly around how you’ve been managing the content processes. These sessions are part of a broader effort to realign the team, improve morale, and ensure content is executed with clarity and consistency.”
Sources inside the station allege that the working relationship between Cele and Wardie has been rocky ever since her redeployment from SABC headquarters in Auckland Park to Durban. The alleged exclusion from meetings appears to be the latest flashpoint in what insiders describe as an ongoing power struggle among the station’s programming leadership.
When approached for comment, Ms Mmoni Ngubane, SABC’s group executive for corporate affairs and marketing, declined to speak on the specific details but emphasised the broadcaster’s internal processes for dealing with workplace issues:
“The SABC, like all other companies, has internal channels and processes in place to resolve any conflict that may arise amongst staff members. Furthermore, as a matter of principle, the SABC will not at any point discuss issues pertaining to allegations of how employees are relating to each other in the public space and encourages those who have complaints to follow the proper channels.”
