Madikizela-Mandela commends Radebe for owning up to his actions

Following Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe’s apology for sending explicit text and email messages with a junior presidential photographer requesting a nude picture from her, ANC stalwart Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has commended the minister for taking responsibility for his actions.

The Star reported that Radebe was summoned to Madikizela-Mandela’s Soweto home on Sunday accompanied by his wife, Bridgette, where he apologised for the scandal. The family apparently received counselling from her as well.

Though Madikizela-Mandela said she was disappointed by reports that the senior minister had solicited crude pictures from the Union Buildings staffer, Siyasanga Mbambani, 29, she held Radebe in high esteem and believes he did well to own up.

“This is the kind of leadership we require. We all make mistakes, and we must take responsibility for them. It takes a real man to apologise‚ and Jeff has done that. I have known him from when he was a young boy, before he left the country to go into exile.

“… Jeff is a highly respected man and one of the surviving cadres of the OR Tambo era [and] what’s left of the Lusaka leadership, who were selfless. In him, we see a future. But we all have our flaws,” Madikizela-Mandela was quoted as saying after the meeting.

On Monday, Radebe reportedly also apologised for his conduct before members of the ANC’s national working committee.

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