Lerato Kganyago is leaving the magazine show Live AMP on SABC1 after just two years as its presenter, with rumours in South Africa's TV biz swirling that she's leaving after being she was asked to present the upcoming Project Runway South Africa on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161), wasn't allowed to do the other show and decided to leave because of that at the same time as her contract simultaneously wasn't renewed.
The 35-year old Lerato Kganyago decided to ditch SABC1's Live AMP, produced by Urban Brew Studios and currently in its 22nd season, and might very well pop up in high definition next as the presenter of Project Runway SA produced by Rapid Blue productions and Ndalo Pictures for M-Net's Mzansi Magic channel and starting in July.
Lerato Kganyago's last on-air appearance on Live AMP will be on 18 May on SABC1.
Officially Lerato Kganyago who joined Live AMP in April 2016 "resigned" - which is true - but standing differently, the mirror shows more faces.
Word on the curb is that Lerato Kganyago was approached to be the presenter and host of Project Runway SA and wanted to front that reality sewing competition as well - a paying gig that would also be her first exposure to a pay-TV audience - but for whatever reason wasn't allowed to.
She had a choice to make and allegedly decided to pursue the Project Runway SA offer anyway, at roughly the same time as her Live AMP contract ran out anyway, and then wasn't renewed.
In a statement Lerato Kganyago says "co-hosting Live AMP has been the most incredible and fulfilling ride of my entertainment career thus far. However, two years in the same spot is a little too long for a Soweto girl like me who’s always looking for a new challenge."
"I will forever be indebted to SABC1 and Urban Brew for allowing me the unparalleled opportunity to showcase my talents," said Lerato Kganyago, noting that "there's an amazing shift happening in my life" - a shift says insiders to pay-television.
In the statement the SABC said "SABC1 and Urban Brew Studios announce the departure of popular Live AMP presenter Lerato Kganyago from the show. Lerato has resigned from the show to pursue other career interests after two successful years with the show".
Live AMP producer Akhumzi Jezile says "it was an absolute pleasure watching Lerato grow with the Live AMP brand. Her love and passion for entertainment kept her grounded throughout her stay. She will no doubt make a success of anything she chooses to take on".
Zandile Nkonyeni, SABC TV head publicist said "We would like to thank her for her commitment to Live AMP and SABC1 over the years".
The SABC was asked in a media enquiry about the biz talk that Lerato Kganyago was approached to present Project Runway South Africa on Mzansi Magic and was told by the SABC that she's not allowed to do both shows.
Zandile Nkonyeni said "we unfortunately cannot comment on where she is going as we do not have knowledge of it".
M-Net was also asked if Lerato Kganyago is the presenter of Project Runway SA, with Mzansi Magic that responded and told TVwithThinus that "the presenter will be announced close to broadcast. We will share the details once we have further information".
