Jozi FM Board Condemns ‘Unlawful’ Lockout of Acting CEO Collen Hans
The Board of Directors of SMRC Trading, operating as Jozi FM 105.8, has strongly condemned the actions of a management representative who allegedly denied the station’s newly appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer access to the business premises.
According to an official media statement released by the board on October 5, the newly ratified Interim Acting CEO, Collen Hans, was barred from entering Jozi FM premises by Gabriel Banda, who claims to represent management.
The dispute follows a formal disciplinary process involving the station’s former CEO, Mpho Hector Mhlongo.
The board noted that an independent, fair, and transparent disciplinary hearing was convened for Mhlongo.
Despite being given multiple notices to present himself—first on the 28th and subsequently on the 29th—Mhlongo failed to appear.
The chairperson of the hearing ruled that sufficient notice had been provided, clearing the way for the board to appoint Mr. Hans as the interim replacement.
The board has labeled the lockout of Mr. Hans as entirely unlawful.
They state that blocking the Acting CEO directly contravenes both the station’s Terms of Reference—as regulated by ICASA’s Complaints and Compliance Committee (CCC) Directive—and a valid, standing court order.
In their statement, the board warned that such actions threaten the stability of the station:
“The Board views this action as an attempt to undermine its fiduciary authority, disrupt operations, defy ICASA’s CCC and the Courts, and place the station’s broadcast licence at risk.”
To resolve any ambiguity regarding the station’s leadership, the Board of Directors explicitly placed the following on record that Collen Hans is the only legally and board-authorised Acting CEO of Jozi FM and that Gabriel Banda holds no authority to bar personnel from the premises or act on behalf of the board.
It further said the board will maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward any external interference with its management and corporate governance.
The matter has already been escalated to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) as part of the station’s mandatory compliance reporting.
Additionally, the board confirmed it is pursuing urgent legal remedies, including contempt of court proceedings where applicable, to ensure Hans gains unhindered access to the property and to maintain operational continuity for the Soweto community.
