EASTERN CAPE — Formal complaints have been lodged against Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina at the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests following a controversial incident at a recent government event in the Kouga municipality. The development follows the emergence of a viral social media video that allegedly captures the minister directing vulgar language at a member of the public.
The footage shows a tense exchange in which Minister Majodina is heard shouting at a man on crutches who was being escorted out of the venue. In response to inquiries regarding the incident, a spokesperson in the office of Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina stated that the minister is not available for comment.
Political parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA) and ActionSA, have strongly criticized the minister’s behavior, labeling it disgraceful and demanding immediate accountability. Representatives from the parties emphasized that such language is beneath the dignity of any cabinet minister, asserting that South Africans deserve respect, not insults, from those who serve them.
ActionSA formally announced the lodging of the ethics complaint, citing the minister’s disgraceful and vulgar verbal attack at the ministerial event. The party stressed that this conduct is completely at odds with the code of conduct expected of members of Parliament and cabinet officials. According to the party’s statement, the behavior undermines the dignity of public office and brings Parliament into disrepute.
Critics have further called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to take decisive action rather than merely issuing statements. Meanwhile, Parliament’s Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests has not confirmed whether the charges against Minister Majodina have been formally received or are currently under review.
