Visvin Reddy has pleaded guilty to incitement to commit public violence in the Durban Regional Court, following remarks made during a political rally ahead of the national elections two years ago.
Reddy, a Member of Parliament for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, entered into a plea and sentencing agreement with the state on Friday.
The charges stem from a speech delivered in March at a gathering of about 60 supporters in Shallcross, south of Durban, where he warned that South Africa could face civil unrest if the newly formed MK Party was prevented from contesting elections.
At the time, the party had been established only months earlier, amid ongoing legal disputes over its leadership and name, including questions surrounding former president Jacob Zuma.
During his address, Reddy claimed that excluding the party from the ballot could lead to widespread instability, including claims that elections would be boycotted and that unrest could follow.
He has now been sentenced to either 10 months’ imprisonment or a R30,000 fine.
Speaking after the court proceedings, Reddy admitted wrongdoing and said he regretted his remarks.
“I have accepted that what I did was wrong. I should not have said what I said,” he said, adding that he was relieved his comments did not result in violence or loss of life.
He further emphasised that public figures should take responsibility for their words, acknowledging the influence political leaders have on society and the importance of accountability.