YFM DJ suspended for being too close to Zuma

Popular YFM DJ Sbu Leope has been suspended for the second time in weeks after allegedly appearing standing next to African National Congress (ANC) president Jacob Zuma at the weekend’s Siyanqoba rally in Johannesburg, the Sowetan reported.

Leope, who hosts the morning breakfast show on the Gauteng-based youth radio station, will be off air until after the elections, the newspaper said on Tuesday.

“I was not aware that I was on TV, let alone standing next to Jacob Zuma, until people started calling me,” said a disappointed Leope, referring to Sunday’s Siyanqoba rally which was attended by more than 80 000 ANC supporters.

“I was however shocked to get an urgent call on Sunday night telling me that was off air until after the elections.”

Leope has reportedly since asked for a copy of the instruction in writing which he received via email.

“YFM said my standing next to Zuma might have legal implications for the station with the Independent Electoral Commission. They insisted that it would be seen as if I’m endorsing Zuma,” he said, denying ever using the station platform in any form or encouraging listeners to vote for Zuma.

Saying that he respects the decision and will abide by the rules, Leope added that he should, however, be allowed to pick a political party of his choice.

Meanwhile, the ANC Youth League on Monday night demanded that Leope be reinstated with immediate effect.

Earlier this month, Leope who’s been with the station since May last year after resigning from the SABC’s Zulu radio station Ukhozi FM, was suspended after playing a song that was not on the station’s play list.—Sapa