Former Ukhozi FM presenter Sbu Buthelezi has revealed that he earned a modest R12 000 a month before deductions, which is a far cry from what many people assume presenters at the SABC station earn. In an interview on YouTube, Buthelezi shared his experience, stating that he took home about R9 000 a month after tax and other deductions. This revelation sheds light on the financial realities faced by some presenters in the industry.
Buthelezi's show, Indumiso, had a massive listenership of over 3.6 million people, a figure he claims remains unmatched by any radio station in South Africa. Despite the show's popularity, Buthelezi's salary was relatively low, and he expressed empathy for presenters who face financial challenges. He recalled former radio presenter Lucky Nkosi speaking about the difficulties faced by some broadcasters, which often go unnoticed by the public.
The public often assumes that anyone working in radio earns a substantial salary, but Buthelezi says this is not always the case. He noted that weekday presenters may earn more due to hosting additional shows, while weekend presenters like Nkosi may earn less. Buthelezi's experience motivated him to establish Crown Radio Pro, a streaming radio station that aims to compete with established stations like Metro FM.
Crown Radio Pro will focus on attracting top broadcasting talent, but Buthelezi also hopes to provide opportunities for up-and-coming presenters from townships. He envisions a platform where a young person from a township can become a Crown Radio Pro presenter and inspire others. The station's goal is to become one of the most-streamed radio stations on social media, reaching provinces beyond Ukhozi FM's traditional footprint.
Buthelezi's broadcasting career at Ukhozi FM ended on June 29, 2022, after the station parted ways with him amid controversy surrounding a private investment venture linked to him, Abombuso Investment. The scheme promised investors high returns from the sale of chickens and eggs, but it led to mounting public pressure and concerns about reputational damage to the broadcaster.
Buthelezi has maintained that due process was not followed in his dismissal, claiming he was not given an opportunity to properly present his side of the story. His contract was terminated following confrontations between investors and the presenter at the SABC. Despite this, Buthelezi is moving forward with his new venture, Crown Radio Pro, which will feature an afternoon drive show playing maskandi music exclusively.
The new station's focus on maskandi music is a nod to the genre's growing popularity. Buthelezi hopes that Crown Radio Pro will become a go-to destination for music lovers and provide a platform for emerging artists. With his experience in the industry, Buthelezi is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact with his new venture.
Key points
- Former Ukhozi FM presenter Sbu Buthelezi earned R12 000 a month before deductions.
- Buthelezi's show, Indumiso, had a massive listenership of over 3.6 million people.
- Buthelezi has launched a new streaming radio station, Crown Radio Pro, which aims to compete with established stations.
