Ukhozi FM Parts Ways with Indumiso’s Sbu Buthelizi
Sbu Buthelezi took time out to confirm that he is indeed parting ways with Ukhozi FM. Sibusiso aka ‘Sbu’ Buthelezi has been a favorite on Sundays on SABC’s Ukhozi FM since he started 14 years ago. Thembeka Zondo-Cele has been presenting Indumiso on Sundays between 09h00 and 12h00 since his suspension about 8 weeks ago pending investigations.
The SABC then released a statement on the 29th of June that stated the management of Ukhozi FM had decided to terminate Mr. Sibusiso Buthelezi contract with immediate effect.
Sbu Buthelizi’s Radio Journey
Sbu Buthelezi has left big shoes to fill at the station. He started as a motivational speaker on Linda Sibiya’s shows for a short segment for morning motivation before Pastor Zondo took over the slot. That is where Makhosi Khoza heard him and asked him to stand in for someone at Igagasi FM and soon had his own show.
He started his radio career on reginal radio station Igagasi FM then later joined the national station Ukhozi FM.
In April 2008 Sbu Buthelezi started his first show called Indumiso on Ukhozi FM. The listeners warmed up to him and he soon became a house hold name as he ministered so well on his show on Sunday.
He has been presenting the gospel show for about 14 years and he later also took on the evening youth gospel show called Unkulunkulu Nomuntu Omusha. His show Indumiso brought up the listenership to about 3.5 million which he highlighted as the biggest gospel radio show in Africa.
The outreach program by Sbu Buthelezi’s show called “Listen To My Story” also helped a lot of listeners of the show through Corporate prayers, counselling and various donation drives in partnership with local businesses.
Sbu Buthelezi’s Exit Speech
In his exit speech on his Facebook Live recording Sbu shared on his journey , businesses and how he got into radio saying he got in by the grace of God. He said he was glad to be one of the people who contributed to the growth of the station through Indumiso.
I always knew that I have a talent in motivating people. I wanted to thank Ukhozi FM and SABC for giving me this opportunity.
Sbu Buthelizi
Surprisingly he added saying he never thought that he would ever be a radio personality but fate decided otherwise. Hailing from eNkandla as a motivational speaker, then having short radio features to hosting his own show successfully, Sbu looks back and lamented that he could not have done that on his own.
He also thanked Ukhozi FM’s listeners , musicians, the SABC ,the station manager Bhodloza Nzimande and his colleagues. He then further singled out Rev PV Zulu , Zandile Tembe and also former radio personality Linda Sibiya in gratitude.
Speaking on the Allegations and Business
Ukhozi FM management further distanced itself in their statement and confirmed that the station did not in any way have a direct relationship with Mr. Buthelezi’s private company Abombuso Investment.
The company Abombuso Investments was under attack for not delivering on promises made and listeners allegedly flogged the station looking for answers from Sbu Buthelezi as advertised. Sbu did explain the circumstances around the business model and challenges they faced in his Facebook Live, highlighting the nature of their business.