Herman Mashaba Rejects Lawrence Mudzinganyama’s Apology After Threats Towards Women, SA Weighs In

• ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has shared his thoughts on Lawrence Mudzinganyama's recent apology
• The Zimbabwean businessman issued an apology after a video surfaced of him threatening women at a Sandton restaurant
• South Africans took to social media to weigh in on Mashaba's response to Mudzinganyama saying sorry

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.

GAUTENG — ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has publicly dismissed the apology issued by Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama.

The City of Johannesburg mayoral candidate took to X to respond after Mudzinganyama had released a written statement accepting responsibility for his recent conduct.

The Zimbabwean businessman tendered the apology following an incident on 18 September 2026 in Sandton, where he was filmed confronting women who had declined his advances. In the viral clip, he threatened to shoot and kill them, claimed he was wealthy enough to purchase the restaurant, and referred to the women as "poor ladies."

Read also

Bouwer Bosch calls out SA leaders over GBV in emotional video

He was arrested and subsequently released. Mudzinganyama pledged to cooperate with police and committed to seeking professional help and conflict-management training.

How did Mashaba respond?

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Mashaba shared a two-word message indicating how he felt. Several other public figures have also publicly rejected the apology as insufficient given the threats and the broader context of violence against women in South Africa.

Mashaba's rejection of the apology sparked several reactions on social media, with opinions divided.

@Dashing_Dior said:

"Alright, siHerman. Your turn shall also come, and we will be there. All it takes is a short clip. No need for context."

@Simile224 wrote

"Who are you to reject his apology?? Is it because he is a black successful Zimbo?"

@musa_mansa commented:

"SOEs need to declare how many of their tenders are given to foreigners. Looks like this matter unveiled a brand new elephant."

Read also

"Richly deserved": Joburg businessman charged and loses executive role after viral restaurant video

@Zim57536768 responded:

"He is not apologising to you... please, old man."

@Kmokgap suggested:

"He must be arrested. Our government doesn't take us seriously. They make other nationalities rich, so he can say whatever he wants to."

Transport minister orders probe to businessman's tenders.

Previously, Briefly News reported that Transport Minister Barbara Creecy separately ordered an investigation into Lawrence Mudzinganyama company's involvement in SANRAL tenders.

SANRAL confirmed it would act on the minister's directive, saying it would examine whether Moriel Infrastructure Group was legally appointed.

Source: Briefly News