{
  "id": 7540866,
  "title": "Water minister apologises after swearing at disabled man in Kouga, calls for ‘mutual respect’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/water-minister-apologises-after-swearing-at-disabled-man-in-kouga",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-15T11:21:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/water-minister-apologises-after-swearing-at-disabled-man-in-kouga-calls-for-mutual-respect/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On September 15, 2026, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina issued an apology for her behavior during a community meeting in Kouga Local Municipality. The incident took place on September 9, when Majodina insulted a disabled man during a launch event for the upgraded Loerie Sewer Pump Station. The video of the exchange went viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism. Majodina apologized almost a week later, acknowledging that she had reacted angrily after a resident swore at her while she was being removed from the venue. She explained that the outburst was an emotional response to being subjected to profane language. Majodina expressed regret for her behavior, stating that she apologized to the people of Kouga and all South Africans, and appealed for mutual respect in public interactions. She emphasized that communities must be able to express concerns in a constructive manner. The confrontation unfolded during a question-and-answer session at the event, when a resident spoke out of turn and was asked to leave. The resident then swore at Majodina as she escorted him out of the hall. Kouga municipality administrator Kyle Minnaar, who witnessed the incident, expressed disappointment in Majodina's conduct, calling it disrespectful to both the individual and the community. He accused her of using the platform for ANC campaigning before the incident. Political analysts warned of potential damage to the ANC's image ahead of local elections, with some predicting a negative impact on voter support.",
  "summary": "The minister did not directly apologise to the resident at whom the insult was directed. She highlighted that community engagements required \"mutual respect\".",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Mail and Guardian",
        "title": "Majodina apologises after ‘profane’ exchange with Kouga resident",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/majodina-apologises-after-profane-exchange-with-kouga-resident",
        "published": "2026-09-15T11:36:30.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}