Johannesburg - Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba on Wednesday apologised "unreservedly" for a gesture he made towards EFF MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi in the National Assembly during a question and answer session by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Gigaba came under fire on Tuesday after he was captured waving his pinky finger at Ndlozi after the latter suggested that ministers utilise camera-less cellphones and avoid recording themselves, referring to Gigaba's leaked sex tape.
Ndlozi showed the house a burner phone during the question and answer session and suggested to Ramaphosa that he advise members of his Cabinet to not use camera phones and use burner phones as they cannot be hacked.
The minister has since taken to Twitter to apologise for his gesture, which he said was provoked by "petty taunts".
EFF MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi shows MPs in the National Assembly a burner phone. Picture: Getrude Makhafola/African News Agency (ANA)
"I apologise, unreservedly, for this gesture. The petty taunts that provoked it and the strain I have been taking, over the past 10 days, are no excuse for my indiscretion which is perfectly summed-up in this tweet by @SpheDludla."
I apologise, unreservedly, for this gesture. The petty taunts that provoked it and the strain I have been taking, over the past 10 days, are no excuse for my indiscretion which is perfectly summed-up in this tweet by @SpheDludla. https://t.co/Gqko6q5fG2
— Malusi Gigaba (@mgigaba) November 7, 2018
Users however, remained unconvinced by his apology, calling on the embattled leader to resign as he was an "ongoing embarrassment".
Here are some reactions to Gigaba's apology:
Too many apologies....
Do the country a favour... RESIGN.
Enough already
— gianicos (@gianicos) November 7, 2018
He is one of those bigger problems. He must go.
— Segonye (@Maswanganye) November 7, 2018
You're an ongoing embarrassment to the @CyrilRamaphosa @GovernmentZA, your @MYANC, our @ParliamentofRSA, your wife and family and to #southafrica in general. #conductunbecoming. You should resign. This is not how cabinet ministers behave.
— Simon Marais (@simonmaraisza) November 7, 2018
Chief resign and go sort yourself out. You will try to make a political comeback in years to come, but for now go morena.
Don't be the persona non grata! pic.twitter.com/wX6kK4mrVv
— Morolong (@TowardsUhuru) November 7, 2018