The MK Party spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, is set to continue with the lawsuit against the party’s former secretary general, Floyd Shivambu, despite his apology.

Shivambu retracted his statement, which insinuated that Ndhlela abuses alcohol and drugs and that he is a liar. 

Shivambu’s apology comes after Ndhlela sent a letter of demand for the remarks he made against him.

The remarks were made during the recent interview with eNCA, in which he called Ndhlela a liar, a drunk, and a drug addict.

Shivambu was given 48 hours to publish an apology and a retraction of his statement on X, and to pin the post for a minimum of seven days, stating: “the allegations were false, without foundation, and that you regret making them”.

He was also required to contact eNCA and request that they broadcast a correction of his statement.

Briefing the media on Friday, Shivambu said: “I must unconditionally retract the statements about drug use and alcohol abuse of Ndhlela.”

However, Ndhlela, who is suing Shivambu for defamation and a R3 million lawsuit, told Independent Newspapers that he will go ahead despite the retraction. 

He said this was not an apology, adding that Shivambu played with words. 

“He did not apologise but retracted. And he said he has advised, meaning he did not do it voluntarily,” said Ndhlela. 

In the court papers, Ndhlela said the allegations impugn his competence, credibility and integrity as a public figure. 

He said the statements were defamatory.

“These are serious allegations, especially against a member of Parliament, who is expected to uphold dignity as a spokesperson of MKP, whose credibility is essential,” he said, adding that statements were made with malice and without lawful justification. 

He said these remarks were solely directed at his dignity and his good reputation.

Ndhlela added he has been receiving calls and messages from people expressing shock, ridicule and concern following the remarks. 

He said he was also mocked on social media. 

“The plaintiff experienced anxiety, stress and humiliation. His credibility was questioned by his party and other parliamentary colleagues,” reads the papers, adding that he suffered a loss of trust and his public image has been tainted. 

“As a result, the plaintiff suffered impairment to his dignity, good name and reputation. He also suffered public ridicule, insults and an injury to his political career. Loss of standing in the eyes of the public, colleagues and constituents.”

He said Shivambu was required to retract the remarks and offer a public apology on June 24, but he failed to comply.

“Because of the defamation, the plaintiff has been damaged in his reputation and has suffered damages in the sum of R3 000 000.00. The conduct of the defendant (Shivambu) is the factual cause for the damages suffered by the plaintiff, but for the aforementioned defamatory statements, the plaintiff would not have suffered damages.”

attempts to reach Shivhamu were unsuccessful.

manyane.manyane@inl.co.za

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