Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has apologised for swearing at a member of the public during a heated community engagement in Kouga in the Eastern Cape.
The incident took place on 9 September during the launch of the Loerie Sewer Pump Station in the Kouga Local Municipality.
A video of the exchange has circulated on social media, showing a community member being escorted from the venue while shouting profanities at the minister.
Majodina then responded with similar language before the man was removed from the venue.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Majodina said she regretted her response and accepted responsibility for her conduct.
“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,” she said.
“I sincerely apologise to the people of Kouga and to all South Africans.”
Majodina also called on members of the public and public representatives to exercise restraint when community engagements become tense or emotions run high.
She acknowledged that public representatives can experience moments of frustration but said this did not lessen their responsibility to remain composed.
“I accept that responsibility and will continue to learn from this experience,” she said.
The incident has attracted criticism, with calls for greater accountability from public representatives during engagements with communities.