News24 | Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina apologises for swearing

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has apologised for swearing at a Kouga resident.

Luba Lesolle/Gallo Images

• Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has apologised for swearing at a Kouga resident last week.
• She says she reacted in the heat of the moment after she was subjected to “profane language”.
• The DA has lodged a complaint against her in Parliament.
• For more political news, visit News24 Politics.

Almost one week after she was filmed swearing at a Kouga resident, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has apologised.

In a statement addressing a now-viral incident, she said she shouted “jou ma se p**s ook” at the resident during the handover of the upgraded Loerie Sewer Pump Station.

She described it as an “unfortunate incident”.

“In the heat of the moment, I reacted after being subjected to profane language. I take full responsibility for my conduct and deeply regret responding by using the same words directed at me. I sincerely apologise to the people of Kouga and to all South Africans.”

Majodina said that “even when engagements become difficult or emotions run high, we must strive to maintain reciprocal respect and ensure that our interactions remain constructive”.

While pointing out that public representatives are human and could, like anyone else, experience moments of frustration, she said it did not excuse her behaviour.

“This does not diminish the responsibility we carry to remain composed. I accept that responsibility and will continue to learn from this experience,” Majodina added.

Majodina was widely condemned for swearing.

Shortly after the incident, the DA said it wanted President Cyril Ramaphosa to sanction her, and the party laid a complaint against her with the parliamentary ethics committee.

READ | Minister Pemmy Majodina silent after swearing at resident 

The DA’s parliamentary leader, George Michalakis, argued that her behaviour brought the ANC, Parliament and the government into disrepute.

ActionSA also lodged an ethics complaint against the minister, and lobby group AfriForum launched a petition calling for her resignation.

Majodina is the second senior government official in recent weeks to land in hot water after interacting with residents.

In August, Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero apologised hours later after telling a resident “you’re talking shit” at a municipal event when the resident called him a criminal and a liar during a community meeting.