Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma Serves ANC KZN Over ‘False and Damaging’ Statement

Durban, South Africa — A legal storm is brewing between popular radio personality Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and the African National Congress in KwaZulu-Natal (ANC KZN), after the former Vuma FM presenter accused the political party of publicly defaming her in an official statement released earlier this week.

Ngobese-Zuma, who has recently been embroiled in controversy surrounding her termination from Durban-based radio station Vuma FM, confirmed during an SAFM interview that her legal team has issued a formal letter to the ANC in KZN demanding answers and accountability. According to her, the ANC’s press release—which attempted to clarify its role in her non-renewed contract—was “full of false information and reputationally damaging content.”

“They dragged my name into a political mess, published lies about me, and now they must account,” Ngobese-Zuma stated firmly.

She added that depending on the ANC’s response, she would decide on the next legal steps. However, she also issued a stern warning:

“If they push me into a corner, I will spill the beans about what really led to my dismissal at Vuma FM.”

ANC KZN Statement Sparks Firestorm

On 23 July 2025, the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal issued a statement welcoming Vuma FM’s clarification that the decision not to renew Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma’s contract was made without influence from political figures. The party used the statement to defend Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane, who had been accused on social media of playing a role in the presenter’s axing.

However, the statement also appeared to paint Jacinta as a figure at the center of misinformation campaigns, and it cautioned the public against “public lynching” of ANC leaders based on false narratives. The party claimed that unfounded accusations had the potential to undermine leadership integrity and destabilize governance.

The ANC also touched on a variety of ongoing corruption allegations involving its deployees, including alleged bribery and irregularities in the National Schools Nutrition Programme (NSNP). But it was its remarks around Jacinta that triggered the biggest backlash.

According to ANC KZN spokesperson Fanele Sibisi, the party has indeed received a legal letter from Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma’s lawyers and is currently studying it before responding formally.

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The Vuma FM Fallout

Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, once a respected and high-profile voice at Vuma FM, has faced increasing scrutiny in recent months over her involvement in the March and March Movement—a controversial civil campaign that some critics claim incites xenophobia against foreign nationals.

Supporters of the movement argue that it seeks to hold the government accountable for failing to address the issues of undocumented foreign nationals taking over the informal economy, especially in townships. But her association with the campaign has reportedly made her a target of powerful political figures.

Although Vuma FM has not issued a full statement on the reason behind her contract’s termination, insiders allege that pressure was mounting from influential quarters who viewed her activism as problematic. Her last day on air is expected to be 31 July 2025.

“It’s clear that my activism and fearless reporting have made me an enemy of the state,” Jacinta told SAFM. “But I will not be silenced.”

Public Opinion Divided

The legal action has sparked debate online and in communities across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, where Jacinta’s influence through radio and activism has grown significantly.

While some believe she is being targeted for simply speaking truth to power, others argue that broadcasters must be held accountable for promoting divisive rhetoric—especially in a country still healing from the wounds of past violence and xenophobia.

Meanwhile, legal experts suggest this case could set a precedent for how political parties handle public commentary on non-political figures, especially in the age of viral social media narratives.

ANC Cautions Against “Faceless Campaigns”

In its release, the ANC in KZN expressed concern over what it called “a concerted campaign, advanced by faceless individuals,” aimed at undermining the party’s integrity.

“The ANC firmly opposes any acts of criminality, especially when they involve public finances. However, we believe that the threshold for damaging someone’s character through public allegations is unacceptably low,” said ANC KZN Coordinator Mike Mabuyakhulu.

The statement concluded by urging the media, public, and social commentators to verify facts before contributing to public discourse, warning against narratives that could “sow confusion, division, and mistrust.”