As reshuffling and contracts are negotiated at most radio stations, the future of popular radio personality, Tbo Touch, hangs in the balance at Metro FM. While all contracts were up for renewal as early as February at the state broadcaster, ZiMoja has reliably learnt that Tbo Touch has not signed a new contract as yet.

The 43-year-old Metro FM afternoon-drive show host joined the station for the second stint in 2022 after quitting the station in 2016. He had worked at SABC for 11 years when he resigned. According to a source at the public broadcaster, Tbo Touch is the only presenter who has not signed a new contract with the station because the SABC and him are not agreeing on certain terms. "He is not happy with his growth at the station. He is limited when coming to do other business outside of the SABC because of conflict of interest. He can't do appearances with the public broadcaster's competitors. He is frustrated. Remember this is a guy who made strides when he left radio and started Touch HD online and won awards- he feels stuck there," the source said. The source added that another problem is that Tbo Touch was brought back by the CEO, who recently left the station. "Even though he gets along with the new CEO, he is longing for growth. The issue is not about money but his concern about his growth at the station," added the source.

ZiMoja has been informed that Tbo Touch has been approached by 947 owned Primedia. The stable boasts the likes of radio heavyweights, Robert Marawa, Mo Flava and Anele Mdoda . "He has had meeting with the station management, but nothing has been finalised yet. If SABC doesn't relax his employment terms, he might go to 947." Tbo Touch could not be reached for comment after several attempts to reach him.

ZiMoja can also reveal that DJ Sphe is also leaving the station after he received an offer at Gagasi FM. According to ZiMoja sources, Sphe will be hosting the afternoon drive show at the station. "SABC tried to stop him from leaving. They even offered him breakfast on weekends, but he refused because it does not make sense to host weekend breakfast when he is a DJ. He will have to miss some of gigs" the source added. SABC spokesperson Mmoni Seapolelo said the station was busy concluding negotiations and is also working on a statement for the line-up which will be released soon.