AfriForum calls for Pemmy Majodina’s dismissal after viral outburst

Lobby group AfriForum has called for the dismissal of Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina after she allegedly lashed out and swore at a disabled community member during a meeting in Loerie in the Eastern Cape.

A video of the incident, which has since gone viral on social media, was captured on Wednesday, 9 September. The incident comes just two weeks after Joburg mayor Dada Morero also faced backlash for swearing at a resident during a community engagement in Soweto.

Following the incident, AfriForum said Majodina’s conduct was in conflict with the Executive Members’ Ethics Act and the code of ethics for ministers, which requires ministers to act in accordance with the integrity of their office and the government.

The organisation also called on Members of Parliament who condemn Majodina’s conduct to lodge a complaint with the Public Protector in terms of the Executive Members’ Ethics Act 82 of 1998, so that her actions can be investigated.

AfriForum’s Manager of Environmental Affairs, Lambert de Klerk, described the minister’s conduct as “unacceptable”.

“Regardless of the circumstances under which this remark was made, the minister ought always to listen to community members’ objections with respect. The fact that she reacted in this way indicates that she is unfit for the position of minister,” de Klerk said.

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina’s meeting with the Kouga community descended into chaos, with profanities exchanged between the minister and a community member during the launch of an upgraded pump station. Should leaders be held accountable for how they engage with… pic.twitter.com/0DZg6nE0cn

— eNCA (@eNCA) September 10, 2026

DA TO LODGE COMPLAINT

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) said it would lodge an ethics complaint with Parliament’s Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests, calling for Majodina’s conduct to be fully investigated and for appropriate sanctions to be imposed.

“This behaviour brings the ANC, Parliament and government into disrepute and undermines public confidence in her.

“Minister Majodina must be held accountable, and she must be sanctioned by the President,” DA parliamentary leader George Michalakis said.

ActionSA has also confirmed that it will lay a complaint against Majodina.