Culture Craze
Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma Returns with Bold New Podcast After Vuma FM Exit
From farewell to fresh beginnings
Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most recognisable radio voices, has stepped back into the spotlight with a project that she says is fuelled by gratitude and resilience. Just weeks after her sudden departure from Vuma FM, she announced the launch of her new podcast, Zoom in with Jacinta MaNgobese Zuma.
The award-winning broadcaster broke the news in a heartfelt video on her social media pages, thanking listeners who had stood by her through the turbulence of the past few months. “This one is for all of those who have believed in me and supported me,” she said, encouraging her fans to subscribe to her YouTube channel.
A podcast with a purpose
Unlike light-hearted content that often floods the podcast space, Ngobese-Zuma promises something more grounded. “We do not do corny things,” she explained. “We do interviews that matter, with guests that people want to hear from. We make sure they share their truth, and we bring it directly to the audience.”
This direction reflects her long-standing reputation as a presenter unafraid to push important conversations forward, often spotlighting social issues that affect everyday South Africans.
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The storm behind the scenes
Ngobese-Zuma’s exit from Vuma FM in July 2025 was anything but quiet. After six years with the station, she was notified by letter that her last day would be 31 July. While the station insisted her contract had simply reached its end, speculation swirled online about the real reasons behind the decision.
Her farewell messages hinted at unfinished business. “Goodbye to my first love. The sacrifice is painful, but I would do it all over again,” she wrote. Soon after, she confirmed that her legal team had approached Vuma FM for clarity, arguing that the termination came at an unusual time and lacked proper explanation.
The broadcaster made it clear that her fight was not just personal. “In media and entertainment, reputation is paramount,” she said. “Transparency will also help prevent others from facing the same treatment.”
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Listeners stand with Jacinta
Public reaction has been strong, particularly among fans in KwaZulu-Natal who have followed her journey since 2019. Many felt her sudden disappearance from the airwaves was a loss to the local radio landscape. Social media has since been filled with encouragement, with listeners pledging to follow her into this new digital chapter.
For those familiar with Ngobese-Zuma’s style, the podcast is a natural extension of the honesty and warmth she became known for behind the mic.
Looking ahead
Although her legal dispute with Vuma FM is still ongoing, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma seems firmly focused on building something new. Her message to supporters remains optimistic: her journey in broadcasting is not over. If anything, it has only just begun, now with the freedom to shape conversations on her own terms.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: MSN
