Sol Phenduka

Solomzi Thandubuntu Phenduka, popularly known as Sol Phenduka, is a South African radio personality, DJ, podcaster, music producer and television personality who has built a career across radio, music, reality television and digital media.

Born on 18 February 1987 in Vosloorus, Gauteng, Phenduka was raised by a single mother. He attended St Francis College in Benoni, matriculating in 2006, before studying Marketing Management at the University of Johannesburg.

Finding his way into radio

Phenduka developed a passion for music and entertainment from a young age. He initially explored music as a rapper and producer before finding his way into broadcasting.

His professional radio career began in 2008, when he joined YFM as an intern through the Y Academy programme. His talent and personality quickly opened doors, eventually leading to an on-air role.

By 2012, he was co-hosting the YFM breakfast show Flava in the Morning with Mo Flava.

His radio career took another major step in 2014, when he joined 5FM and became part of DJ Fresh's Fresh at 5 breakfast team.

Big Brother Mzansi

While already building a name in radio, Phenduka entered reality television.

In 2014, he became a contestant on the first season of Big Brother Mzansi: Secrets.

His outspoken personality and sense of humour made him one of the memorable housemates. He reached the final and finished in fifth place, giving him a new level of national recognition.

The experience helped broaden his career beyond radio and music.

Music remains part of the journey

Radio and podcasting may be what Phenduka is best known for today, but music has remained an important part of his identity.

He has worked as a DJ, producer, composer and recording artist, producing music influenced by tribal house, Afrobeat, deep house and other African sounds.

His debut self-titled album, Sol Phenduka, incorporated tribal-house and African-inspired sounds. His music career includes releases such as “Uhuru” and other singles and projects.

Podcast and Chill

The biggest transformation in Phenduka's career came when he entered the world of podcasting.

He joined Podcast and Chill with MacG in November 2020, becoming the show's co-host alongside MacGyver “MacG” Mukwevho.

His chemistry with MacG quickly became a defining feature of the podcast.

Phenduka's laid-back personality, humour, blunt opinions and ability to engage with guests helped turn him into a major digital-media personality in his own right.

The podcast has grown into one of South Africa's biggest digital shows, regularly attracting hundreds of thousands of viewers and listeners around the world.

One of his recurring phrases on the podcast, “Which one is this one?”, eventually became the inspiration for an animated comedy series starring a fictionalised version of Phenduka.

Return to mainstream radio

Phenduka returned to commercial radio in 2022, joining Kaya 959.

He initially co-hosted the breakfast show with Dineo Ranaka before later becoming part of the station's Siz the World breakfast team alongside Sizwe Dhlomo and other presenters.

His return to mainstream radio demonstrated how podcasting had strengthened rather than replaced his broadcasting career.

Controversies

Like many outspoken broadcasters, Phenduka's career has not been without controversy.

During his time at 5FM, he was suspended following offensive comments about the Van Breda family murders. The incident generated significant public criticism and became one of the more difficult moments of his radio career.

In August 2025, Kaya 959 announced that Phenduka had been suspended pending an internal investigation. The station said it would follow due process and did not disclose further details at the time.

His career illustrates both sides of being an outspoken media personality: his willingness to speak freely has helped make him popular, but it has also occasionally placed him at the centre of controversy.

More than just MacG's co-host

Although Phenduka became widely recognised through Podcast and Chill, he has continued developing his own identity outside the show.

Through Solomzi Creations, he has maintained interests across broadcasting, music, podcasts and creative projects. His official website describes broadcasting and music as two of the central pillars of his career.

That combination has allowed him to move comfortably between traditional radio and the creator economy.

Sol Phenduka — quick facts

• Full name: Solomzi Thandubuntu Phenduka
• Known as: Sol Phenduka
• Born: 18 February 1987
• Birthplace: Vosloorus, Gauteng
• Profession: Radio personality, DJ, podcaster, music producer and broadcaster
• Education: BCom Marketing Management, University of Johannesburg
• Radio: YFM, 5FM and Kaya 959
• Reality TV: Big Brother Mzansi: Secrets
• Podcast: Podcast and Chill with MacG
• Joined Podcast and Chill: November 2020
• Music: Tribal house, Afrobeat, deep house and related genres
• Production company: Solomzi Creations

From an aspiring musician in Vosloorus to a YFM intern, Big Brother finalist, national radio personality and one of South Africa's best-known podcasters, Sol Phenduka has built a career by constantly reinventing himself.

His journey also highlights how the line between radio, television, music and social media has increasingly disappeared — and Phenduka has managed to operate successfully across all four.