I have observed with discomfort the many roles that are given to Alex Mthiyane of the Durban based regional commercial radio station, Igagasi 99.5 fm. He is the head of news and current affairs, the host of the morning/breakfast show and the spokesperson for the station. Basically, he is responsible for three important positions in the station thereby giving him too much power. Clearly he sits with the management of the station in meetings and also plays a pivotal role in decision making. Why give a single person so many jobs? Is this fair to other employees? Is it possible for the subordinate employee to challenge him without any threat? What will happen if something suddenly makes him permanently unavailable for all his positions? Will the station cope if it is suddenly confronted with this situation? Is it healthy to allow a personality cult in the station? It remains to be seen what will happen if the future requires the station to respond quickly to some of these questions. Absolute power is dangerous to both, a person and the station (in this regard).
