Salaries: Who is the highest-paid radio personality in SA?

Salaries of radio personalities have often made headlines, leaving many trying to connect the dots about the highest-paid on-air host in South Africa.


 

Who is the highest-paid radio personality in South Africa?

PENNY NTULI’S GAGASI FM CONTRACT
Earlier this year, several radio personalities made headlines after Jozi FM host Penny Ntuli revealed her salary at Gagasi FM. Ntuli dumped the station in the eleventh hour after an R2 800 monthly contract offer.

The former Gagasi FM host posted to social media, “It’s been an amazing two years there. I am grateful to be considered as one of the talents allowed to showcase their talents again in the new season on your platform.”

She added, “However, the salary of R2 800 per month on my offer letter or contract is not something I can sustain my life with.” After leaving Gagasi FM, she joined Jozi FM. Her salary is unknown.

WHO IS THE HIGHEST-PAID RADIO PERSONALITY IN SOUTH AFRICA
No doubt her contract woes left Mzansi divided. Against the incident, former Gagasi FM employee DJ Warras – real name Warrick Stock – revealed his salary on X, formerly Twitter. He made it known that he used to earn R2 800 per hour.

A few months ago, award-winning radio presenter Ba2cada — real name Nyakallo Leine hogged headlines when he revealed his salary on Podcast and Chill with MacG.

“So how much are you making at Lesedi,” MacG curiously asked Ba2cada. The award-winning radio personality revealed that he once earned R1 500 but now earns R180 000.

His salary undoubtedly implicated other seasoned radio personalities, including Sizwe Dhlomo, Anele Mdoda, and Tbo Touch. The three are rumoured to be among the highest-paid radio personalities in South Africa, but their salaries remain unknown.

Several broadcasters have contract clauses that do not allow employees to reveal their salaries. No doubt salaries are confidential.

In 2022, Tbo Touch hogged headlines when it was reported that Metro FM lured him back with an R480 000 monthly paycheque. Reports have it that his return was part of the station’s annual on-air revamp. Against the reports, Metro FM downplayed his rumoured salary. He returned to the station six years after his 2016 exit.

Salaries differ because of several factors, including years of experience and time slots. On the other hand, some radio personalities are paid on a timely basis, while others are paid on a monthly basis.