Cape Town - Mduduzi Manana has welcomed the judgment on the matter of assault that involved him and three women and vows to abide by the court's decisions and orders.
On Monday, the Randburg Magistrate's Court sentenced former deputy minister of higher education Mduduzi Manana to 12 months' imprisonment or to pay a fine of R100 000.
Manana was convicted of three counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm after pleading guilty to the charges. The charges relate to the assault of three women at Cubana in Fourways on August 6.
Manana would have to complete 500 hours of community service and attend counselling. He has also been ordered to pay each of the victims the damage claims that was submitted by the State.
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"Today's judgment has further ingrained this important constitutional imperative and principle, for which I applaud the criminal justice system of our country for applying the law impartially and without fear, favour or prejudice," Manana said in a statement.
Manana stated that this has been a "very difficult" period for both him and the victims and hopes that all parties put the incident "behind" them.
"The displeasure and narrative as expressed by the general public has given much credence to the principled position that such conduct cannot be tolerated in our country. It is for this reason that we ought to unite and step up our efforts to eliminate all acts of violence against women and children."
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Manana has apologised to victims, the victim's families, his own family, the African National Congress (ANC) and the public.
"I hope that this judgment is not only a learning curve to me, but that it will serve as a deterrent to all men and especially those who hold public office."