Criselda faces possibility of not returning to Metro FM

Criselda Dudumashe may be forced to face a bitter reality after jeopardising her career.

Earlier this year, she wrote a lengthy post in support of Manana, who resigned from his position as the deputy minister of higher education after he admitted to assaulting two women at a nightclub in Fourways, Johannesburg.

Dudumashe was indefinitely suspended from Metro FM four months ago, but it seems that the radio station does not plan on bringing her back, Sunday Sun reports.

The SABC established an inquiry against her and insiders alleged Dudumashe was informed she would receive feedback at the end of November.

The show she presents has moved on therefore Metro FM is unsure of Dudumashe’s position, claimed one source. Another source said the radio host received a letter stating the conditions to her return: if she does return, she will be forced to accept whatever job she is offered.

The situation and uncertainty over Dudumashe’s future appears to have adversely affected her health.

“Yes, I can confirm that the unfortunate incident led to my current health challenge. Having to deal with being completely misunderstood in a deliberate attempt to tarnish my character even by people who I regarded as friends and family was not new, but this time it hit hard because my intention was never malicious,” she said.

“For some, it was just a tweet, Instagram or Facebook response. To my family, it was loss of income and change of livelihood. Having to read about my HIV status used as a weapon to ridicule me, even by people I had counselled and provided guidance to, was a bit hard to swallow. But I’m stronger now.”

Dudumashe believes the decision to have her taken off Metro FM was unfair, especially since she had worked under the SABC for 10 years without any prior incidents.

“I fully understand how sensitive gender-based violence is, and believe we lost an opportunity to have an empowering dialogue even for my own understanding.”

Instead of the empowering dialogue, Dudumashe maintains she was victimised primarily by women. However, she expressed her gratitude to the people who gave her a job because this enabled her children to continue going to school and ensured they were never hungry.