MacG Slams BU Mthembu Over R12k Salary Complaint After ‘Podcast and Chill’ Exit

• MacG publicly addressed Luthando "BU" Mthembu on the latest episode of Podcast and Chill following his high-profile departure from the network
• BU had revealed in several viral videos that he earned only R12,000 per month on the network, which he said barely covered fuel and small commitments
• MacG used Londie London and Zille's atchar hustle as examples to make his point about the value of a platform over a pay cheque

MacG did not hold back when he took aim at former All The Smoke co-host Luthando "BU" Mthembu on the latest episode of Podcast and Chill, which aired on 26 October 2026. The seasoned podcaster expressed deep frustration over BU's public comments about his R12,000 monthly salary following his exit from the Podcast and Chill network.

BU had made headlines in several viral videos where he opened up about leaving All The Smoke, the show he co-hosted alongside singer Tshego.

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He cited scheduling clashes with his acting career as a key factor, noting that it became impossible to step off a Netflix production set to record podcast content. He also described the environment as toxic, and pointed to his R12,000 monthly pay as a sign that the arrangement simply wasn't working for him financially, saying the amount only covered fuel and minor expenses.

MacG fires back over platform vs pay debate

MacG pushed back hard on the salary grievance, arguing that BU had missed the bigger picture entirely.

"We give you an opportunity to come here and do your thing. If you're thinking about the R12k, you've already missed it; it's not about the R12k," he said on air.

To illustrate his point, MacG brought up Londie London, who co-hosts the Read the Room Podcast on the network. He revealed that she regularly shoots her weekly episodes dressed in designer outfits that cost more than what she earns on the platform, yet she recognises what the exposure does for her personal brand. "She understands the value of being here," MacG added.

He stressed that the platform's real currency is reach, pointing to the network's almost 2 million subscribers. His message to hosts was clear: the platform won't solve your problems, but hard work and capitalising on the exposure can.

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MacG also referenced DJ Sbu's infamous firing from Metro FM as a parallel, noting that many people have lost their jobs for using their employers' platforms to promote personal ventures. On the Podcast and Chill network, he argued, hosts are actively encouraged to do exactly that, highlighting Spreading Humours co-host Zille's achaar hustle.

Co-hosts Sol Phenduka and Ghost Lady echoed MacG's sentiments, both saying they had been fond of BU until his public comments surfaced. MacG summed up his feelings plainly, stating he was "highly disappointed" by how BU chose to frame his departure.

Watch MacG's episode below.

BU Mthembu's phone call with MacG leaked

In an earlier report, Briefly News shared online reactions to a leaked recording of MacG and BU Mthembu's phone call.

The recording added to the saga behind his exit and left social media convinced that he may have thought he was bigger than the platform.

Source: Briefly News