Radio host Sasha Martinengo dropped from Hot 91.9FM after referring to Malema as a ‘monkey’
JOBURG – Martinengo has since taken to social media to 'stand by what [he] said'.
Managing director of Hot 91.9FM, Lloyd Madurai, released a statement on Facebook today, 2 October, regarding an ‘unfortunate and unacceptable incident’ that took place during the broadcast of the Breakfast Show.
https://www.facebook.com/Hot919FM/posts/1148514175311428?__xts__[0]=68.ARD9v5eiY5ETtohadjQvDFBfj0yTc1bxMQKk-Af7X-KXHRYMX8F6ezxnXdJtdHhVnaZtzRdH1WNgDj2C_DHiFIwQ1ouLDenVn18HpDDBKETxqvVT6tBLwL3V5_BC5Zu8hjTCv5prgoQNrTZUhwaxWtdAwPAcWSYpWoNnsN2wPXM7IMGXvXmVhQ&__tn__=-R
According to the statement, Sasha Martinengo said, “[A]nd people still listen to this monkey,” in reference to EFF leader, Julius Malema.
It further reads, “The values of this radio station include a full and unconditional commitment to the South African Bill of Rights and an all-encompassing respect for all our community irrespective of their political point of view.”
“The statement by the presenter violated the station’s code of conduct and its commitment to our national democratic values and furthermore is viewed in an extremely serious light.”
The station has since apologised to Malema and removed Martinengo from all involvement with the radio station with immediate effect.
Madurai further stated that it will not tolerate this form of conduct and is committed to all their community members equally, irrespective of their political, religious, ideological or social beliefs.
“To this end, the station renews its commitment to the ICASA Broadcasting Standards and to the national Constitution and has taken detailed remedial steps to ensure non-recurrence of such behaviour,” the statement concluded.
Martinengo has since taken to Twitter following the incident on air:
I’m sorry if I offended anyone,but I stand by what I said.
Anyone, irrespective of their race, colour, creed , religion, gender who disrespects a woman is a monkey.
— F1sasha (@F1sasha) October 2, 2018
South Africans have also responded to his comment with mixed reception:
Where have you been for the last couple of years Sasha?. With present situation in South Africa you should have known better. There is no defending your actions no matter which way you squirm. We are all human and make mistakes. Own up to it and apologise unreservedly.
— Wolverine (@BAMFBIKER) October 2, 2018
Fully agree with everything you said. The station should be supporting you, not firing you.
— Mike Briggs (Ret.)#voetsekANC. (@mikefbriggs) October 2, 2018
https://twitter.com/ChesterQha_/status/1047101772744019968
https://twitter.com/sizimema/status/1047081355593564161
https://twitter.com/brokenfone/status/1047094302265024512
https://twitter.com/darynhouse/status/1047086424485449728
