LOERIE – Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has apologised to the people of Kouga and South Africans following her profane outburst during a community engagement in Loerie, Kouga Municipality, on 9 September.

As previously reported, Majodina sparked fury after she exchanged profanities with a disabled resident during a community meeting in Loerie on 9 September.

The incident occurred following the official launch of the R5.98 million upgraded sewer pump station, when the meeting descended into chaos during a question-and-answer session.

According to Kyle Minnaar, an administrator at Kouga Municipality who attended the meeting, a resident began speaking out of turn and disagreed with another attendee.

The minister requested that the resident be removed from the hall.

As the man was being escorted out, he directed an Afrikaans expletive, “jou ma se p…” at Majodina.

The minister allegedly then responded: “Phuma! Jou ma se p… ook.”

Addressing the incident in a statement released by the South African Government on 15 September, Majodina said that, in the heat of the moment, she 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,” said Majodina.

“I sincerely apologise to the people of Kouga and to all South Africans.”

She also appealed to members of the public to remember that, even when engagements become difficult or emotions run high, all parties involved must strive to maintain reciprocal respect and ensure that their interactions remain constructive.

“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,” said Majodina.

She said that, at the same time, meaningful community engagement requires mutual respect.

Majodina said communities must be able to express concerns in a manner that enables constructive dialogue and solutions.

“I remain committed to engaging communities, listening to their concerns, and serving the people of South Africa with humility, accountability and dedication,” said Majodina.

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