Penny Ntuli, a celebrated radio personality and social media influencer, has decided not to renew her contract with Gagasi FM. The decision comes after the station’s proposal of a monthly salary that Ntuli and many of her supporters deem insufficient for her talent and contribution to the broadcasting field.
A Tough Decision Fueled by Unfair Compensation
Penny Ntuli’s exit from Gagasi FM, a popular radio station based in KwaZulu-Natal, marks a significant moment in her career and sheds light on broader issues of remuneration within the radio industry. Ntuli, who joined the station in 2022, was notably disheartened by the renewal offer that pegged her salary at R2,800 per month for a three-hour Sunday graveyard slot, an amount she openly criticized for not being sustainable.
Penny Ntuli detail what happened at Gagasi FM.
Radio Personality Penny Ntuli quits Gagasi FM after she was told that she will be paid R2 800 per month according to her new contract.
This is much less than what she was paid initially before her contract expired. pic.twitter.com/PVAsLw7WCb
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) March 25, 2024
Ngithi angithathe lelithuba ngiphefumule. Ngiyazi sekukaningi amaphephandaba ebhala ngegama lami, ukuthi sengilaxaze umsebenzi.
Firstly ngithi Angisho entathelini yephepha Ilanga Newspaper ukuthi, I don’t appreciate the words you used to publish this article. Ningibeke njengomuntu ongenawo ungyabonga but also I understand you’d do anything to sell a story & every time I did any good anikaze nibhale ngami.
To confirm the “rumours”, yebo ngiyashiya emsebenzini. It was time to renew contracts & I was given the opportunity to come back this season. I gladly accepted the new show until I was told ukuthi I’ll be getting paid R 2 800 p/m. (Something not too far from what I was getting paid the past 2 years). Ngike ngazizwa ngidelelekile kodwa ngehlisa umoya ngabuyela kubaphathi ukuyocela ukuthi bathi review my salary. Ngaleyo mali angeke ngikwazi kwenza lutho. I asked ukuthi where will I be approved? Impilo izoma mengiveza iPayslip yami. I asked ngizowondla kanjan umndeni wami ngalemali ngoba bonke babheke mina? Bona bangaphila ngalemali? Bengingalwi. Umphathi wami u-Ayanda Melansi in the negotiations suggested I consider other things other than being ON AIR (this also killed my confidence heavily) 😔
Ngibe sengithatha isinqumo sokuthi ngizocela bangabe besayivuselela iContract yami kulonyaka. Angiyekanga ngoba kukhona okungcono osengikutholile. Angiyekanga ngoba ngingasathandi, umuntu owazi mina uyazi how much I love ukusakaza and how much I love Gagasi FM but it’s true I’m not coming back this year kodwa yize kunjalo ngiyabonga kakhulu kwiGagasi FM for the opportunity. ♥️💯
By the way, for those Aspiring Presenters who’d love to go Commercial, sikhona iskhala shoot your shot.🔥🙏🏽💯🙌🏾😉
The Outcry and Support from Mzansi
Ntuli’s decision and her transparency about the reasons behind it have sparked a notable outcry on social media, with fans and fellow industry professionals voicing their support for her stance against inadequate pay. The revelation that such a recognized and influential figure was offered what many consider a paltry sum has ignited discussions about the valuation of radio talent in South Africa.
Public Reaction: A Mix of Shock and Support
The public’s reaction has ranged from shock to strong support for Ntuli’s difficult but principled decision. Social media users and radio listeners alike have expressed disbelief at the salary figures disclosed, questioning the station’s valuation of its talent. Comments and posts highlight a collective disappointment in Gagasi FM’s offer, pointing out Ntuli’s significant contributions to the station’s success and her influence within the broader media landscape.
Ntuli’s Future and the Industry’s Reflection
As Penny Ntuli looks towards new horizons, her departure serves as a critical moment of reflection for the radio industry and its treatment of talent. Ntuli herself remains grateful for the platform Gagasi FM provided but emphasizes the need for fair compensation that reflects the dedication and impact of radio personalities.
Her move has not only highlighted her own journey and challenges but also underscored the importance of advocating for fair wages in the creative and media industries. As discussions continue, Ntuli’s decision is seen as a catalyst for potential change, encouraging both media houses and talents to reevaluate their worth and the standards of their engagements.
A Stand for Fairness
Penny Ntuli’s departure from Gagasi FM over concerns about fair pay is more than a personal career decision; it’s a statement against inadequate compensation in the radio industry. As the conversation unfolds, it’s clear that Ntuli’s bold move has sparked a necessary dialogue about valuing talent appropriately, paving the way for future negotiations to hopefully reflect the true worth of radio personalities and creatives alike.
