Takalani Khomola, the acting station manager of controversial community radio station Makhado FM, announced his resignation from the station this week.

Khomola resigned on Monday and handed a letter to the station where this was confirmed. Khomola was suspended a few months ago, following allegations of maladministration.

When he joined the station in November 19 last year, Khomola claimed to be the person who would rescue this sinking ship (Makhado FM). This never materialised, but he blames it on the situation that he inherited from the previous management. Even at that stage the station owed the landlord over R800 000 and was in arrears with the municipality. Presenters were also not being paid.

The CEO of Luonde Media Resources (the Section 21 company that runs Makhado FM), Mr Junior Ramovha, promised to pay the presenters from his own pocket, but to no avail.

When contacted for comment, Ramovha confirmed Khomola's resignation. Khomola is still to appear in court today (Friday) after a case of theft had been laid against him by the station management. Charges were laid after Khomola was accused of stealing the station's magnet stickers. 

Khomola said that he resigned because of the lack of transparency between the board and the CEO, Mr Ramovha. "He always interferes with station issues that do not affect him," he said. Khomola also accused Ramovha of hiding issues from staff and other stakeholders.

"I am still being owed R50 000 in wages. I must be given the money I worked for according to my contract," he added. According to Khomola he is now focussing his energy on running his events management company.

The station's broadcasting license is said to be expiring soon. It was not clear whether the management had applied for a renewal of this license and whether Icasa will consider such a request. Icasa spokesperson Mr Paseka Maleka was not available for comment in this regard.

The programme manager, Mr Makonde Mbedzi, said no one had been appointed in Mr Khomola's position. According to him, he is filling in as acting manager for the time being.