Johannesburg – The contract of Jozi FM CEO Hector Mpho Mhlongo has been “terminated with immediate effect”.
Announcing the move on Sunday, 4 October 2026, the board of directors of Soweto Media Resources Centre (SMRC), trading as Jozi FM, said it “resolved to terminate the contract of Mr. Hector Mpho Mhlongo with immediate effect”.
Mhlongo, the long-serving Jozi FM CEO, was embroiled in a bitter struggle for control of the station that culminated in accusations of abuse of Lottery funds donated to the station.
In 2025, Mhlongo went public with concerns about National Lotteries Commission money paid to the SMRC.
GroundUp reported that the organisation received R34.8 million in grants, while Mhlongo alleged there was no proper accounting for millions of rand and said he had reported suspected fraud and corruption to police and the SIU.
At the time, board chair Rapitse Montsho disputed that account, reportedly saying the money was spent on a documentary project.
Matters took a confusing turn earlier this year, in August, when the SMRC board said it had suspended Mhlongo and appointed Collen Hans acting CEO.
However, just days later, reports surfaced quoting an SMRC board statement that said Mhlongo remained the “fully active and recognised” legitimate CEO.
Today, Sunday, 4 October 2026, the SMRC board issued a statement saying it had “resolved to terminate the contract of Mr. Hector Mpho Mhlongo with immediate effect”.
The statement made available to The Bulrushes added: “Mr. Collen Hans will continue to act as the Acting interim Ceo”.
Mhlongo’s disciplinary hearing was held last week on Monday and Tuesday, but he did not attend even though he had been notified.
Asked to comment on the matter, board chair Rapitse Montsho said: “After an independent disciplinary hearing, the chairperson of the hearing found Mpho Mhlongo Guilty of Serious Misconduct and bringing Jozi FM into disrepute”.
The board said Jozi FM remains fully committed to compliance with ICASA regulations and to serving the community of Soweto with integrity.
The Bulrushes was yet to get comment from Mhlongo.
