SABC disputes reports that Phat Joe was 'suspended', saying the radio personality was on 'special leave'

The SABC is disputing reports that radio presenter Phat Joe was "suspended" from his show on Radio 2000, saying that the radio personality was on "special leave" and is now back on air.

News surfaced on Tuesday claiming that the controversial presenter, who had previously been suspended from the station for allegedly making homophobic remarks on air, had recently been pulled from the airwaves again.

In a statement sent to Channel24, SABC's acting spokesperson Mmoni Seapolelo said: "The SABC can confirm that Mr. Majota Khambule "Phat Joe" is back on air having been on special leave."

During our enquiry with the SABC, Channel24 requested some clarification with regards to the term "special leave", and what that meant for Phat Joe and the station, but, according to the statement, no further comment could be provided on the matter. 

"As indicated the SABC is unable to comment further on this matter out of respect for the Contractual relationship between the two parties," it reads. 

Compiled by Nikita Coetzee