By BAKANG MOKOTO
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, Steve Letsike. This comes after Letsike has referred comments made by podcaster, Macgyver “MacG” Mukwevho about media personality, Minnie Dlamini, to the committee for investigation.
In her opening remarks, the Chairperson of the Committee, 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 of the public, when the committee has not as yet considered the matter. Der Merwe said 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, on behalf of the committee, to add my voice to that of the Ministry in condemning the comments made by MacG and rejecting them with the contempt they deserve.
“We are recommitted to do more in the fight against Gender-Based Violence. The committee resolutions are that they will support the Deputy Minister in approaching the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa,” she said.
Van der Merwe said the committee will support the Deputy Minister in referring the matter to the Commission for Gender Equality for further investigation. She added that the committee encourages 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 GBV 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,” van der Merwe.
She said despite countless erroneous media reports, the committee has resolved not to call MacG to appear before the committee at this stage.
The Guardian 