Media Statement: Committee on Women, Youth and Persons With Disabilities Considers Deputy Minister’s Complaint

Parliament, Tuesday, 6 May 2025 - The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities met this morning to discuss and consider, amongst other things, a request from the Deputy Minister of Women Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms Steve Letsike.

The Deputy Minister has referred comments made by podcaster MacG about media personality Ms Minnie Dlamini to the committee for investigation.

In her opening remarks, the committee Chairperson, Ms Liezl van der Merwe, said she took a dim view of the committee being dragged into this matter on social media by commentators and members the public, when the committee has not as yet considered the matter. Several erroneous reports indicated that the committee had resolved to call MacG to account to the committee, which is not factual.

Following deliberations, the committee emphasised the committee's mandate and in conclusion Ms van der Merwe said she wished on behalf of the committee, to add her voice to that of the Ministry in condemning the comments made by MacG and rejecting them with the contempt they deserve. She further recommitted the committee to do more in the fight against gender-based violence.

The committee's resolutions are follows:

The committee will support the Deputy Minister in approaching the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa.

The committee will support the Deputy Minister in referring the matter to the Commission for Gender Equality for further investigation.

The committee encourages Ms Dlamini to open a case of cyber-bullying, gender-based violence or harassment with the relevant law enforcement authorities.

The committee will keep a keen eye on developments at the PC on Communications and Digital Technology, which seeks to regulate online content.

The committee will further engage on matters of gender-based violence in its next meeting with the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities. The committee will also receive a legal opinion on the committee's mandate vis-à-vis hearing complaints such as those of the Deputy Minister.

Despite countless erroneous media reports, the committee has resolved not to call MacG to appear before the committee at this stage.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON WOMEN YOUTH AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, MS LIEZL VAN DER MERWE

For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee's Media Officer:
Name: Yoliswa Landu (Ms)
Cell: 081 4974694
E-mail: ylandu@parliament.gov.za