President Cyril Ramaphosa has apologized to Julius Malema after the Economic Freedom Fighters leader was accused of spousal abuse by ANC MP Boy Mamabolo on Tuesday.
Malema and his wife Mantwa Matlala-Malema are suing Mamabolo for libel, or defamation of character, in two separate claims of R1 million each.
Ramaphosa, responding to the debate of the State of the Nation Address following two days of vigorous presentations by ANC and opposition party MPs, condemned accusations of gender-based violence MPS levelled against each other.
“Honourable Malema, as the allegation was made against you, I felt for Mantwa, your wife because it was uncalled for, I must say. It was improper. It was not correct for it to be raised, and if I can offer an apology to you, about this, I would like to, because it was uncalled for,” said Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa added: “We must have respect for one another, but we must also have respect for the women of this country.”
He said South Africans were owed an apology for what transpired in Parliament following skirmishes between ANC and EFF MPs over domestic abuse claims.
“This social crisis is a reality for many women, not just in our country but all over the globe. The mention of a person who has passed away in Parliament yesterday evening was unjust, unnecessary and spine-chilling. It was raw and inconsiderate. I am deeply saddened by the manner in which events unfolded,” he said.
Malema rose again on a point of order as Ramaphosa’s speech ended, but was reminded by the Speaker that he can no longer ask further questions.
“I have never assaulted any woman and I will never do that,” said Malema.
Ramaphosa mentioned that the issue of his late former wife and former Chairperson of Telkom’s Board, Nomazizi Mtshotshisa-Ramaphosa, who, he said, was unfortunately not around “to respond for herself”.
Ramaphosa said issues such as these should not be used and trivialised for political purposes.
He said government has appointed 200 social workers to deal with post gender-based violence care.
Ramaphosa added that more Thuthuzela Centres would be established and government was working on the economic inclusion of women with the setting aside of 40% of contracts to women.
Meanwhile, Malema has apologized to Ramaphosa after he earlier accused him of beating his late ex-wife, Nomazizi.
“After a long discussion with my wife about the president’s apology, I have decided to pen down the apology that I should have communicated on the platform of the Joint Sitting of parliament where it belonged,” said Ramaphosa.
“I hope the president can accept my apology, together with his family, which I offer sincerely. I would like to mention that I have personally communicated directly to President Ramaphosa in a phone call. I, therefore, hope that this puts the matter behind us.”
(Compiled by Charles Molele)
