Popular YFM DJ Sbu Leope has been suspended for the second time
in weeks after allegedly appearing standing next to ANC president
Jacob Zuma at the weekend's Siyanqoba rally in Johannesburg, the
Sowetan reported.
Leope, who hosts the morning breakfast show on the Gauteng-based
youth radio station, will be off air until after the elections, the
newspaper said on Tuesday.
"I was not aware that I was on TV, let alone standing next to
Jacob Zuma, until people started calling me," said a disappointed
Leope, referring to Sunday's Siyanqoba rally which was attended by
more than 80 000 African National Congress supporters.
"I was however shocked to get an urgent call on Sunday night
telling me that was off air until after the elections."
Leope has reportedly since asked for a copy of the instruction
in writing which he received via email.
"YFM said my standing next to Zuma might have legal implications
for the station with the Independent Electoral Commission. They
insisted that it would be seen as if I'm endorsing Zuma," he said,
denying ever using the station platform in any form or encouraging
listeners to vote for Zuma.
Saying that he respects the decision and will abide by the
rules, Leope added that he should however be allowed to pick a
political party of his choice.
Meanwhile, the ANC Youth League on Monday night demanded that
Leope be reinstated with immediate effect.
Earlier this month, Leope who's been with the station since
May last year after resigning from the SABC's Zulu radio station
Ukhozi FM, was suspended after playing a song that was not on the
station's play list.