UKHOZI FM programmes manager Pearl Maseko-Binqose has left the station after working there for a year.

Pearl joined the Durban-based station in March 2023 after Mzansi’s number one radio station dismissed Zandile Tembe, the former programmes manager.

Sources told Daily Sun Pearl resigned because she found better opportunities in the government at national level.

“She’ll be working for one of the departments as she’s a qualified communicator and manager. At the moment, she doesn’t want people to know where she’s going until she’s officially announced by her new employer, but chances are she’ll be based in Pretoria,” a source said.

When contacted for confirmation, Pearl referred Daily Sun to the SABC.

“I’m not allowed to speak with the media. Please, contact the SABC,” she said.

SABC Manager: Media Relations Mmoni Seapolelo confirmed to Daily Sun that Pearl has, indeed, resigned.

“The SABC can confirm Pearl Maseko-Binqose has tendered her resignation from Ukhozi FM. The SABC wishes to thank Ms Maseko-Binqose for her contribution to the organisation and wishes her well in her future endeavours,” Seapolelo said.

Pearl was hired by Ukhozi FM in March 2023 when the station had been without a programmes manager for almost two years. The position was vacant after the station dismissed Tembe in 2021. After Ukhozi FM dismissed Tembe, legendary radio presenter Mandla Mdletshe acted as programmes manager.

Ukhozi kept advertising the post as it was alleged, they were not getting a suitable candidate until they found Pearl in 2023.

Pearl was not new to the radio industry, having worked as a Gagasi FM content producer and Ukhozi FM producer before she joined the University of Fort Hare as a communications lecturer a few years ago.

The station is expected to announce an acting programmes manager soon.