South African radio host fired after calling Julius Malema a 'monkey'

david nganga

October 3, 2018 5:23 PM

Despite the dismissal, the presenter later tweeted that he stood by what he said.

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DJ Sasha Martinengo was axed with immediate effect from Hot 91.9 FM on Tuesday after his remarks were perceived by many as racist.

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During the breakfast show‚ Martinengo said “and people still listen to this monkey”‚ referring to Malema.

"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," Lloyd Madurai, Managing Director of Hot91.9fm, said in a statement on Tuesday.

"As such, notwithstanding the presenter’s immediate and unreserved apology, the station has forthwith elected to remove him from all involvement with the radio station with immediate effect.

No regrets

"Furthermore, the station hereby issues a public apology to Mr. Malema and deeply regrets any adverse inference that the conduct of the presenter has had."

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Martinengo, who faced social media backlash following the remarks, later tweeted that he stood by what he said.

"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,” he tweeted.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party has welcomed the dismissal of the popular radio presenter saying that it will open criminal charges against Martinengo.

david nganga