Talk about keeping presenters in-house... Speak Out returns to SABC2 for a new season on Thursday, 6 October at 21h30 with a new presenter pulling the punches for consumers. Muvhango's Dingaan Mokebe (James) is off the show, replaced by Muvhango's Ndalamo, Lesley Musina.
Dingaan hosted the show for four seasons so his departure is a big deal but SABC2's been silent about the reason for his exit. Dingaan was embroiled in
a public spat with the show's production company Aviwe Business Development Services during the last episodes that he filmed so we can safely assume that this is what caused the switch.
In an interview with Sunday Sun, Dingaan states that he's left the show because he was unhappy with the behind-the-scenes politics. Unidentified sources disputed his claim, saying that the show fired him because he had an arrogant attitude.
It's a case for Speak Out to investigate. Alternatively Dingaan and Lesley can team up and Speak Out in an episode of their own if Lesley finds the same situation behind-the-scenes.
Right now he seems happy enough, and committed to getting the job done. Here's what he has to say about his new role:
Lesley: "The realization of how important it has been meeting people who have been taken for a ride by big business has been humbling. Being their voice and ensuring that we fight for what belongs to them only brings comfort in one’s space. There is nowhere to hide when Speak Out is around. "
Good stuff Les! We love seeing a cheat being taken down so we're happy you're doing the job, particularly because no-one else is. Speak Out is the only consumer rights show in the country that's stood the test of time, which isn't easy in our David and Goliath climate where individuals are dominated by big business.
The new season includes a strong focus on educating consumers and businesses of their rights, which no other show is doing either.
If you have an issue that you'd like the show to investigate, you can reach the production in the following ways:
By post:
Speak Out
P.O. Box 8922
Johannesburg
2000
By fax: on 086 563 3754
By e-mail: speakout@aviwebds.co.za
You can also send a message on their Facebook page (which still has Dingaan all over the place, oops):
Speak Out on SABC2