Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has apologised for insulting a disabled resident during a heated community engagement in Kouga local municipality in the Eastern Cape.
Majodina said she responded “in the heat of the moment” after the resident allegedly directed profanities at her.
The confrontation took place on September 9 when the minister visited the municipality for the launch of the upgraded Loerie sewer pump station.
Footage of the incident later circulated widely on social media, prompting criticism of Majodina and calls for action against her.
In the video, the minister can be heard directing an insult at a resident, saying: “jou ma se p**s.”
Majodina addressed the incident in a statement on Tuesday, acknowledging her conduct and apologising to the resident, the people of Kouga and South Africans.
“I sincerely apologise to the people of Kouga and to all South Africans. I also appeal to members of the public that, even when engagements become difficult or emotions run high, we must strive to maintain reciprocal respect and ensure that our interactions remain constructive,” she said.
Majodina said the exchange occurred during a community meeting held after the official launch of the upgraded sewer pump station.
“The engagement was convened as part of my commitment to norms and standards that promote accountability and ensure that communities are given an opportunity to receive feedback following the completion of government projects,” she said.
The minister acknowledged that public representatives can become frustrated but said this does not excuse failing to remain composed.
“While public representatives are human and can, like anyone else, experience moments of frustration, this does not diminish the responsibility we carry to remain composed. I accept that responsibility and will continue to learn from this experience,” she said.
Majodina also stressed that residents have a right to raise concerns, but said community engagements should remain respectful.
“At the same time, meaningful community engagement requires mutual respect.
“Communities must be able to express concerns in a manner that enables constructive dialogue and solutions,” she said.
The video drew strong reactions online, with some members of the public calling for disciplinary action against the minister and others demanding that she be removed from her position.
Despite the backlash, Majodina said she would continue engaging with communities and addressing their concerns.
“I remain committed to engaging communities, listening to their concerns, and serving the people of South Africa with humility, accountability and dedication,” she said.
The apology comes almost a week after the confrontation, which placed renewed focus on the conduct expected of public representatives when dealing with angry or difficult interactions with members of the public.