Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana – who is accused of making unwanted advances toward a female masseur – on Thursday said he had been warned and cautioned on the matter by the police.
The 65-year-old married father, who denies the allegations, said: “I met with a SAPS “[SA Police Service] official, and I was furnished with a warning statement informing me of a criminal complaint laid against me in Skukuza, in the Mpumalanga Province.”
In a detailed statement, Godongwana added: “The complainant accuses me of sexual assault.”
Opposition parties and rights bodies have called on the finance minister to step down.
Gondogwana’s party, the African National Congress (ANC) – through its Womens League urged the police to speedily deal with the sexual assault allegations.
On Thursday, Gondogwana said he decided to comment on the matter in detail because the public and media space has been rife with commentary and opinions about the allegations levelled against him.
“On Thursday, 18 August 2022, I was approached by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in connection with what they said was a criminal investigation against me,” said Gondogwana.
“I met with a SAPS official, and I was furnished with a warning statement informing me of a criminal complaint laid against me in Skukuza, in the Mpumalanga Province.
“I confirmed to the SAPS official that I indeed was in the Kruger Park area on 9 August 2022, when the alleged incident is said to have occurred.
“I repeated my previous assertion, that I in no way or at any time inappropriately touched, sexually harassed, or assaulted anyone.”
The minister said the woman who laid the complaint with the police was “unknown” to him.
Gondogwana, who insists his wife was present during the massage, denied any wrongdoing saying he has “always upheld and respected the rights and dignity of women, and these allegations go against everything I stand for”.
The minister admits he had the massage in his room at the five-star Kruger Shalati lodge in Skukuza, but denies the accusations.
“I am relieved to have finally been contacted by the police and given the opportunity to hear what I am being accused of. I am also glad to have the opportunity to place my denial on record,” said the minister.
“I take the allegations very seriously. As such, I am looking forward to the necessary legal processes unfolding.
“It is in the interests of all those involved for the matter to be resolved speedily, with due regard for the dignity and privacy of the complainant and myself.”
Gondogwana said he has confidence in “our law enforcement agencies and their ability to handle this matter without fear, favour or prejudice”.
He added: “In this regard, I reject with contempt the allegation that I have attempted to silence the complainant by bribing her.
“As I informed the police, the identity of the complainant is unknown to me. These allegations are.”
Gondowana said, “as a disciplined member of the ANC, I subjected myself to the Integrity Commission of the party on 17 August 2022”.
He said the meeting was at his request.
“I am painfully aware of the damage that the allegations have caused to the organisation which I have served for close to four decades, as well as for the need to be forthright and transparent.”
Gondogwana rejected calls for him to step down, saying: “While I serve as Minister of Finance at the privilege of President Cyril Ramaphosa, I wish to state that I personally intend on continuing with executing my duties by focusing on the critical tasks of revitalising our economy and protecting the fiscus.”
He added: “It is my contention that issues of this nature are not appropriate for political expediency, and therefore I would like to make a sincere plea that our law enforcement agencies be given space and time to get to the bottom of the matter, as speedily as possible.”
