Cape Town – Former Democratic Alliance MP Renaldo Gouws has issued a public apology for making racist remarks in a 2010 video that resurfaced in 2024.
The video showed Gouws using offensive language toward Black South Africans, leading to his recall from Parliament and eventual departure from the DA.
As part of a settlement with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), Gouws acknowledged the harm caused, apologised for delaying accountability, and committed to personal growth and repair.
“To all South Africans, especially Black South Africans, and Black people globally, I am sorry. I am sorry for the pain, anger and trauma my words have caused. I am sorry for trying to justify, minimise and sanitise them.
Former DA MP Renaldo Gouws has issued a heartfelt apology to Julius Malema and the black community, expressing deep remorse for his racist remarks.
He acknowledged the pain and offense his words caused, saying he takes full responsibility and is truly sorry for the hurt he… pic.twitter.com/EpFkbZtETD
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) May 16, 2025
“I know that this apology does not erase what I said or did, but it is a step, I must take to acknowledge the effect of my actions and begin to account for them. I remain committed to learning, listening, and doing the difficult work of repair,” he said.
The SAHRC welcomed the apology, stressing the need to respect human dignity in free speech.
“The commission welcomes Mr Gouws’ acknowledgement of the impact of his past conduct and reiterates that the right to freedom of expression must be exercised in a manner that respects the dignity and equality of all people,” SAHRC said in a statement.
Gouws is also required to attend two public awareness workshops.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
