South Africans Criticise Pemmy Majodina After Minister Apologises for Swearing Disabled Resident
- Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has issued a public apology after using profane language during a community meeting
- Video surfaced online of the minister swearing at a disabled community member after he swore at her during the event
- South Africans responded with scepticism online, with many questioning whether the apology reflected genuine remorse
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
EASTERN CAPE — Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has issued a formal apology after using crude language at a public event, but South Africans are not buying it.
The minister sparked outrage online after she was filmed swearing at a disabled resident during a community meeting. The incident occurred on 9 September during the launch of the Loerie Sewer Pump Station in the Kouga Local Municipality.
Video of the altercation shows a community member being escorted from the venue while shouting "jou ma se p..." at Majodina. The minister responded in kind, saying: "Phuma! Jou ma se p... ook."
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
The incident drew immediate comparisons online to Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero, who faced similar backlash in late August 2026.
Majodina takes full responsibility
In a statement released on Tuesday, 15 September, Majodina said she deeply regretted her conduct.
"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," she said.
She extended a direct apology to residents of the Eastern Cape municipality and to the broader public.
How did South Africans react?
The minister's statement did little to quell public frustration, with many South Africans expressing doubt over the sincerity of the apology on social media.
Mbela Jwarakazi wrote:
"She was supposed to know better how to handle that situation. We all know that she is now the Minister of Ma se dinge."
Sumandri Van Metzinger said:
"As a leader, she should set an example. It's because the whole ANC is full of leaders that think they are untouchable. Hopefully that will change come voting time."
Est Aphane commented:
"That is what they are good at. Doing things intentionally and apologising after."
Makazolo Gubayo stated:
"No, she should have known better. We don't want her apology."
Colin Buti wrote:
"They apologised because the ANC told them to do so, for the sake of the party's survival, not because they have wronged."
AfriForum demands Majodina's dismissal
Briefly News reported that AfriForum weighed in on Majodina's outburst toward the resident during the community meeting.
The organisation called for action against Majodina after she directed abusive language at a disabled community member.
South Africans weighed in on AfriForum's statement about Majodina, with many criticising her conduct during the meeting.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
