During my visit to Kouga Local Municipality on 9 September 2026, for the launch of the upgraded Loerie Sewer Pump Station, an unfortunate incident occurred during a community engagement.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I remain committed to engaging communities, listening to their concerns, and serving the people of South Africa with humility, accountability and dedication.
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