ANCYL Limpopo demands Lenny T Legodi’s reinstatement by Thobela FM with immediate effect or will take the matter to the streets

Thobela FM presenter Lenny T Legodi.

The ANCYL in Limpopo has added its voice to the chorus of demanding for radio personality Lenny T Legodi to be reinstated by his employer Thobela FM of South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

Legodi is facing contract issues with the station and was blocked from entering the Thobela FM studios in Polokwane, despite signing a new contract for the 2025-2026 season. He was supposed to host the "Ditlalemeso" show from 6 am to 9 am.

The SABC claims Lenny T didn't have an effective contract, while Lenny T is unsure if he was fired or not. Lenny T reportedly rejected a R90 000-a-month offer from Capricorn FM before signing with Thobela FM. His Lethabo "LeJoy" Mathatho, has been hosting the show solo, and Lenny T's contract is being processed.

ANCYL Provincial Secretary Phineas “Boko” Sebola said: “The ANCYL Limpopo is throwing down the gauntlet, demanding justice for Lenny T Legodi, a popular radio personality at Thobela FM, who allegedly faced unfair treatment upon his return to work. The ANCYL continues to treat SABC as a public broadcaster, the SABC and its entities, including Thobela FM, should prioritize the public's interests."

“We therefore demand the following: 1. Immediate reinstatement of Lenny T Legodi. 2. Accountability for those who abused power and authority. 3. A formal apology from the SABC, through Thobela FM, to both Lenny T and the station's listeners. We are further urging the public, members of the ANCYL in Particular, to take action by disrupting Thobela FM's activities until these demands are met. We also encourage all members of the ANCYL and the public in general to call in to shows and flood social media comment sections, demanding Lenny T's reinstatement.”

Sebola said if negotiations with Thobela FM's management fail, the ANCYL is prepared to take the fight to the streets.

“This situation raises questions about the treatment of employees in public broadcasting and the accountability of those in power. The ANCYL's involvement in this incident is of importance in advocating for fairness and transparency in institutions that serve the public interest. The SABC, as a public broadcaster, is the public property,” he concluded.

SABC spokesperson Mmoni Ngubane told the media that Lenny T signed a new contract however denied that he was blocked from entering the station’s studios. 

“At the time he came to the office he had no effective contract that would have allowed him to render any service. He was advised of this fact, and he was not forcefully removed from the premises as alleged. His contract is currently being processed.”

Lenny T who refused to comment said he is not sure if he was fired or not.

ANCYL leaders in Limpopo, Provincial Chairperson Faith Seopela and Provincial Secretary Phineas “Boko” Sebola.