Manana: Deputy Higher Education Minister resigns following assault charges.

Johannesburg – President Jacob Zuma on Saturday said that he had accepted the resignation of Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mduduzi Manana. By NEWS24

“The President has thanked Mr Manana for his contribution to the work of government during his term of office,” the presidency said in a short statement.

Manana recently admitted to the assault of two women at the Cubana nightclub in Fourways, Johannesburg recently.

A video posted on social media after the incident showed Manana beating a woman while several of his friends held her down. The video showed the attack inside the club, but it allegedly continued in the car park. Two victims laid charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

Manana appeared in the Randburg Magistrates Court several days after the incident and amid claims that he was being treated with kid gloves by the police. He was released on R5000 bail and is expected to appear in court again on September 13.

A recent Sunday Times report alleged that Manana has a history of aggression and gross abuse of his staff.

On Saturday the ANC released a statement welcoming Manana's resignation while thanking him for “his service to the people of South Africa during his tenure”.

In a statement, Cope said it believed Manana's resignation was long overdue.

“However, we view his resignation not as a show or genuine remorse on his part or because of action by Jacob Zuma. It is the result of unrelenting and growing wave of public pressure against his continued holding of public office. He was forced to fall on his sword,” the party said. DM

Photo: Deputy Minister Mduduzi Manana launching the Ekurhuleni East Tvet College Daveyton Campus - 26 May 2017 (GCIS)

NEWS24.

Culled from Daily Maverick.