South African Actress, radio DJ, television host and the first ever African brand ambassador for Nivea and Producer, Thando Thabethe also known as Thabooty has resigned from her job with 5FM, amidst controversy.
The beautiful actress who has featured in many movies, series, and TV shows, recounts her ordeal.
Before delve into the matter, let’s give you a background check on her Resume.
- Thando was in “Love Lives Here” in 2019 as Zinhle Malinga.
- She also features in a popular TV series “Housekeepers” in 2018 episode 10, as Linda Ndlovu.
- “Thando Bares All” Series came along in 2018.
- In 2016, she appeared on a movie “Mrs Right Guy as “Anna”
- In 2016, Thando appears on a TV series episode 4 tiled “Generations the Legacy”.
- Other series include, ” Kowethu” as Sazi, in 2014, Single Guys as Evette in 2013, “Intersexions” in 2010 as Lulu.
- As a producer, she has done a project on “Love Lives Here” in 2019 as a senior producer.
- Thando has also featured in 22nd Annual South African Music Awards in 2016.
Thando took to her twitter to give insight on why she left .
According to her, The 5FM had an acting Programme and Station manager for months.
But they eventually appointed JD Mostert and Siyanda Fikelephi as the Station and programme manager respectively.
Then on 28th, February 2020, she had a meeting with the programme manager who informed her that the show has been renewed, with respect to their annual negotiation.
In the meeting, she demanded for a pay raise of R200 per hour and 2 weeks leave to shoot housekeepers, which according to Thando, the programme manager had earlier agreed on.
On 2nd of March, 2020, she learnt from colleagues and people on her show, that the Thabooty’s drive will no longer be available, as it doesn’t fit into the 2/5 years plan of the SABC.
It was then clear to her that the replacement had already been set and notified alongside to her teammates.
“I was the last to find out that my very own show no longer existed!!!” Thando exclaimed.
On the 3rd of mstch, the Programme manager sat her down to explain the reason why the show doesn’t exist anymore.
She alleged that superior power was angry because she made certain demands
‘I then hear that the powers that be were told that I DEMANDED a 20% increase and 6 weeks leave”
Thando can not place her hand why the show was approved few days ago, only to be taken away from her without prior information.
“I believe I am not the first neither will I be the last to experience this by the SABC ” she added
“I was offered…wait for it…SUNDAYS 4-7am. I have ploughed many hours into the work that I do, and found this an insult after 11 years on radio. I then proceeded to resign. The current line up at 5FM is not a representation of the diverse country that we live in.”
It’s also very easy to dub me as “demanding” to the powers that be in the hope that the truth doesn’t come out.
Meanwhile, she was eventually offered her original slot back which she declined and in the fear of being victimized by the same people who wanted her gone without prior information.
Thando is not a new comer in the industry, she definitely understands the game and plot twists therein.
“I have been in this industry for a while and understand 100% that shows are shuffled and changed annually . My gripe is the lies told to me and about me for personal gains. I hope this never happens to anyone else. I know of many stories where artists are mistreated…”
And hope that others will be able to speak up when unfairly labeled and treated.
However, a friend brought the issue to the table of SABC management, which they tried to resolve and despite their efforts to resolve the situation, 5FM was adamant and insisted on their initial plan.
Consequently, I decided to take back my slot because of the consequences on not just me, but the colleagues 2ho are working on the show, because they have families to feed as well.
Then again 5FM refused to back down but offered her a slot she was not able to accept.
” I hope that the people responsible for this are held accountable and brought to book”.
” I hope to now put this matter to rest & continue with my life. I can only appeal to the top management for the people responsible that being the programme and Station Manager to be held accountable”
The end
Mboma Mboma 
Mseveni