PEP has slammed Ukhozi FM presenter Zimiphi “Zimdollar” Biyela’s offer to post slimming injections to buyers, saying the product is banned from its parcel service.
“Under PAXI’s terms of service, clause 3, we can confirm that the product is deemed as a prohibited item,” the retailer said.
Biyela had told her followers she could send the injections via PEP.
“While we have not seen this advertisement, we can confirm that neither PEP nor PAXI was aware of this advertisement before, nor do we endorse or support this alleged advertisement in any way, and we thank you for bringing this to our attention,” Elizabeth Senger from PEP said.
The company said PAXI works on a sealed-bag system.
Senders pack and seal their own parcels, and counter staff don’t open them. But it said it takes misuse of its service seriously.
“PAXI reserves the right to intercept and remove a parcel from the network,” Senger said.
It urged the public not to buy prohibited goods for delivery via PAXI.
A screenshot seen by Africa Daily shows Biyela holding pre-filled syringes.
The isiZulu text reads, in translation: “The slimming injection is now available at UKM. You can buy it and inject yourself at home. Inject once a week, and stop when you feel you’re right. We can post it to you.”
Registered nurse Mvelwenhle Omuhle kamaGumede wakwaDlamini warned the public. She said there was no evidence the injections had been lab tested. She also said such products need refrigeration and medical oversight.
People tagged the Department of Health. Biyela removed the clip.
She then hit back in another video, she said:
“…listen, I was merely using my following to sell the injections; otherwise I don’t personally inject people. Besides, I’ve used the injections myself, people knew me when I was slim, and I never had a problem. Your friends are also telling me they are getting the jabs from you. You are blocking my clients because you see me as competition, Fuhlu. NgingowasoBuka mina, ungangilokothi [I am from Obuka, don’t you dare]. Otherwise I’d start with you so you can get the glow.”
Biyela gave no evidence for her claim that the nurse supplies injections.
The nurse also warned against a herbal product Biyela advertised as strengthening vaginal muscles. She said it was untested and its effects are unknown.
Biyela sells her products through UKM herbal stores, mainly in KwaZulu-Natal.
The SABC has distanced itself from the matter.
Spokesperson for SABC, Mmoni Ngubane said Biyela is contracted by Ukhozi FM “for specific deliverables within a specified period.”
“Outside of this contract an independent contractor is allowed to engage in other types of work or businesses that are not direct competitors to the radio station.
“Furthermore, the regulation of selling of medicine by private individuals or businesses, including on personal social media platforms is the responsibility of relevant industry bodies, not of the public broadcaster and therefore the SABC cannot comment further,” said Ngubane
That position sits uneasily with its own record.
In 2022, Ukhozi FM suspended and then ended the contract of gospel presenter Sibusiso “Sbu” Buthelezi, also an independent contractor.
It followed controversy over his private poultry scheme, Abombuso Investment, and concerns about reputational damage to the broadcaster.
In 2025, Ukhozi FM also left presenter Siya Mhlongo out of its line-up after he was accused of an off-air assault, though the SABC did not give a reason.
In 2023, the SABC also acted on Biyela’s own conduct. It issued a public apology on Ukhozi FM after her on-air remarks about the police.
The SABC did not respond to follow-up questions.
Africa Daily wanted to know why they acted against Buthelezi, who was also a contractor, but says it cannot comment on Biyela.
SAHPRA has previously warned about adverts for unauthorised semaglutide products spread through radio and social media. Ozempic, the best-known semaglutide brand, is a Schedule 4, prescription-only medicine.
At the time of publishing, SAHPRA had not responded.