THOHOYANDOU - The much-awaited meeting between Phalaphala FM and Mudzi wa Vhurereli ha Vhavenda, which was scheduled for last Wednesday, September 11, did not materialise.

Phalaphala and Mudzi were to meet last week at Phalaphala FM's offices in Thohoyandou to settle their differences about the programme, Vhurereli ha Afriaka/Vhavenda. Mudzi wrote many memorandums to the station complaining about the same programme, claiming that it undermines and disrespects the Vhavenda people.

Initially Hyson Musandiwa, the programme manager for Phalaphala FM responded to Mudzi's memorandum, which was submitted to them by offering a meeting between the two parties.

This was after Mudzi, who claimed that Phalaphala was avoiding them by ignoring their plea for meeting, again requested in the memorandum that Phalaphala must arrange a meeting with them (Mudzi) any day and any time before fourteen days from the day the memorandum was submitted.

Musandiwa, who initially sent a letter confirming a scheduled meeting, sent another letter last week indicating the cancellation of the meeting. In a letter dated September 6, Musandiwa said they "will no longer attend the meeting because what we were supposed to be discussing has already been decided upon by Mudzi through Mirror newspaper on August 30 and September 07."

Musandiwa further advised Mudzi to "stop solving problems concerning the radio station in the newspapers but should rather go to the Broadcast Complaints Commission of South Africa."

Meanwhile, Mudzi's general secretary, Mr TH Nemakonde said they have already approached the Broadcast Complaints Commission of South Africa. Nemakonde said they wanted to settle their differences with Phalaphala FM around the table before they resort to other avenues.

He also threatened that they will go to the highest level to make sure that Phalaphala listens to them.