Phila Mthembu Breaks Silence on Newzroom Afrika Resignation 6 Months Later

• Broadcaster Phila Mthembu finally addressed his sudden resignation from Newzroom Afrika in March 2026
• The journalist revealed that the past six months have been deeply difficult, as fans constantly questioned his departure
• Phila issued a heartfelt apology to fans who followed his work on the news channel

Six months after walking away from Newzroom Afrika, broadcaster and journalist Phila Mthembu has finally broken his silence. In an emotional statement shared on social media, he addressed the question that has followed him everywhere since his departure.

Mthembu resigned from the news channel in March 2026, but offered little public explanation at the time. Since then, he says the same question has greeted him at every turn, whether in person or online: why did he leave? The relentless enquiries took a toll on him, to the point where he admitted to avoiding certain public spaces simply to dodge the conversation.

Phila Mthembu's heartfelt message to fans

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In his statement, Mthembu opened up about just how emotionally draining the period has been. He confessed that while he was privately battling his own internal struggles, he still felt compelled to reassure fans that he would return to television, essentially comforting others when he himself needed comfort.

What surprised him most, he said, was the sheer depth of the public's attachment to his work. "I didn't know you loved me and the work so much," Mthembu wrote, describing how moved he was to learn how much his absence had affected viewers.

He also acknowledged that the public expected more than silence, and that repeatedly sidestepping the question was unfair to those who genuinely cared about his career. In a candid moment, he simply said: "I am sorry," directing the apology at his supporters and everyone who valued his presence on screen.

Mzansi reacts to Phila's statement

His post reignited conversations online, with many viewers weighing in on both his resignation and the broader shake-up at Newzroom Afrika's KZN desk. Below are some of the reactions:

@sihlemafa201: "Exactly my question: what is going on with @Newzroom405 in KZN? There is a lady Modise now Mthembu who was based in KZN but manje andisababoni??"

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@Island_Tribe17: "So his answer to why he resigned was 'I'm sorry'?? Is that it?"

@Stherra21: "Humble yourself mvelase buyela ndoda yamadoda you had that charisma bhuti we miss you on our screens."

@sowazis: "Oh man, I think I remember him...He's the one that was reporting from KZN, if I'm not mistaken...Reporters for KZN keep changing at @Newzroom405. I can't keep up."

Source: Briefly News