Jozi FM radio presenter Penny Ntuli is recovering at her mother’s home in Durban after being stuck in severe snow in the Drakensberg over the weekend.
Penny, a well-known figure on the mid-morning show, did not report for duty on Monday as she is receiving medical care following the incident.
Penny Ntuli Now On Sick Leave After Bring Stuck In Snow
The popular radio host was one of hundreds of motorists trapped on the N3 freeway, closed due to heavy snow between Harrismith and Estcourt. Penny was en route from Johannesburg to Durban on Friday to attend a funeral when she, along with Uzalo actor and friend Buyani Masikane, found themselves stranded on the road near Montrose for over 24 hours.
The snowstorm, which blanketed the region, left many vehicles immobile, creating a dire situation for motorists. Penny quickly documented the ordeal on social media, giving her followers a glimpse into the harsh conditions faced by those stuck on the highway from Friday through late Saturday.
Jozi FM Confirms The Development
Penny’s employer, Jozi FM, has since confirmed that she has been placed on sick leave. Mpho Mhlongo-Njomane, the station’s boss, spoke to ZiMoja, stating:
“She is at home now relaxing and seeing doctors to make sure that she is fully okay. We have given her some time to get better and return when she is fit enough. We felt that we shouldn’t put her under pressure after a strenuous weekend for her.”
He added that the station has not set a timeline for her return.
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In a tragic turn of events, one woman in KwaZulu-Natal succumbed to severe hypothermia during the same snowstorm. Midlands EMS spokesperson Roland Robertson confirmed that paramedics found her in critical condition, and she died en route to the hospital.
The snowstorm has been one of the most severe in the region, affecting many travelers and disrupting daily life. Ntuli is expected to return to work once her health improves.