Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Mmapaseka Steve Letsike has strongly condemned threats of violence allegedly directed at a group of women at a Sandton establishment. The incident occurred after the women rejected the unwanted advances of a man, identified as Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyama. Letsike emphasized that such threats cannot be dismissed as an unfortunate exchange or a momentary loss of temper.
The Deputy Minister highlighted the broader dangers of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), particularly attitudes that seek to punish women for exercising their autonomy. She stressed that rejection, anger, intoxication, wealth, or social standing can never excuse the harassment, humiliation, or threatening of any woman in South Africa. The Constitution guarantees all women an inalienable right to agency, Letsike noted.
Letsike called on the Department of Home Affairs to urgently review Mudzinganyama's presence and immigration status in South Africa. If he meets the statutory grounds for classification as a prohibited or undesirable person, the department must act decisively and impose the full consequences permitted by law. The Deputy Minister's office will petition the Minister of Home Affairs on the matter.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide and Substance Abuse also condemned the incident. Letsike welcomed the fact that Mudzinganyama has been processed by the South African Police Service and is expected to appear in court on 1 October 2026. She emphasized that the swift action taken by stakeholders demonstrates that the fight against gender-based violence requires consequences wherever abusive conduct occurs.
The private sector has taken measures against Mudzinganyama, including his removal as Executive Chairman and director by Moriel Infrastructure Group and the termination of his lease by Steyn City Properties. Transport Ministers Barbara Creecy and Home Affairs Minister Dean Macpherson have ordered investigations into the company's South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) contracts and Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) gradings.
Letsike stressed that these measures do not replace the criminal investigation and that no one should prejudge the outcome of the judicial process. However, she said the response demonstrates that conduct involving threats against women carries social, institutional, and economic consequences and cannot be dismissed through an apology or an appeal to wealth and influence.
Letsike reiterated that perpetrators of GBVF must have no place to hide within the borders of South Africa. She called on society to reject violence and intimidation against women wherever it occurs and stand with women who speak out. "Women must be able to say no and continue with their lives without fear of retaliation," Letsike said.
Key points
- Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike condemns threats of violence against women at a Sandton establishment.
- The incident highlights the broader dangers of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa.
- The Deputy Minister calls for a whole-of-society response to hold perpetrators of GBVF accountable.
