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Gqeberha politician and former DA MP Renaldo Gouws has publicly apologised for offensive comments made in a resurfaced video, following a settlement with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).
Gouws shared a video apology on X and YouTube, expressing remorse for using deeply offensive and racially charged language in a 2010 rant aimed at EFF leader Julius Malema. The remarks came in response to Malema singing the controversial struggle song “Kill the Boer; Kill the Farmer”.
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In the footage, Gouws used the k-word, called Malema a “black idiot”, and referred to those singing with him as “barbaric people”. The video re-emerged last year, prompting the SAHRC to lodge a hate speech case against him with the Equality Court.
Posting to X, Gouws said: “The commission and I have reached an out-of-court settlement. This means they will withdraw the hate speech case against me before the Equality Court. One of the requirements is to make an apology video.”
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Renaldo Gouws Apologises After SAHRC Drops Hate Speech Case Over Malema Rant
“I Am Sorry for the Pain”: Renaldo Gouws Reflects on Offensive Rant
In the video, Gouws acknowledged the pain and trauma caused by his comments, admitting they were unacceptable.
“However, I acknowledge my critique itself was insensitive, offensive, divisive and deeply hurtful towards black people. It was unacceptable for me to have used such violent language to make my point,” he said.
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“I am sorry for the pain, anger and trauma my words have caused [and] for trying to justify, minimise and sanitise them.”
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While he continued to argue that Malema’s chant was “insensitive and divisive”, Gouws said he regretted his approach and recognised the damage done by his own language.
He also noted that over the past 15 years he had been involved in charitable work and had taken time to reflect on his words and actions.
“It took me some time to look at the other side of the coin and to put myself in someone else’s shoes and to completely understand the effects the history of the country has had on all of us,” he added.
Critics Slam Apology as ‘Insincere’ and Legally Motivated
Despite the apology, not everyone is convinced of Gouws’ sincerity. Cape Town Good party councillor and former journalist Roscoe Palm, who helped bring attention to the video last year, dismissed the apology as performative.
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“Gouws’ apology, offered not out of remorse but as a legal obligation, rings hollow. It attempts to downplay rather than atone for his actions. It is a half-hearted and insincere apology,” Palm said.
He also questioned the SAHRC’s decision to settle the matter outside of court. “The SAHRC must explain what public interest was served by reaching a settlement.”
The commission has yet to release its official statement on the agreement.
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