By a Correspondent
Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Madzinganyama has issued an unreserved public apology following an incident at a Sandton restaurant that sparked widespread outrage and triggered increased scrutiny of his business interests in South Africa.
Madzinganyama came under fire after a video circulated on social media showing him using threatening and aggressive language towards a group of women at Vlamo Restaurant in Sandton, Johannesburg, after one of them reportedly rejected his advances.
In a statement released on Sunday, Madzinganyama admitted that his conduct was unacceptable and said he regretted the fear and distress caused by the incident.
“I apologise unreservedly to the women involved in the recent incident at Vlamo restaurant in Sandton. The aggressive and threatening language I used was unacceptable and unjustifiable, regardless of the circumstances that led to the disagreement,” he said.
He acknowledged that he should have exercised restraint and sought assistance from restaurant management rather than escalating the confrontation.
“I accept responsibility for my words and conduct,” Madzinganyama said, adding that he understood the anger and alarm generated by the incident, particularly in a country grappling with high levels of violence against women.
The apology comes as South African authorities intensify scrutiny of companies linked to the businessman.
South African Transport Minister Barbara Creecy recently instructed the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) board to investigate whether Morial Infrastructure Group, a company associated with Madzinganyama, was lawfully appointed and whether it is fulfilling all its contractual obligations.
The investigation follows public interest in the company’s multimillion-rand government contracts.
Separately, South Africa’s Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has directed the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to investigate allegations that Morial Infrastructure Group obtained multiple contractor gradings on the same day.
According to a statement issued by the ministry, concerns have been raised that the company may not have met the requirements for the gradings, which may subsequently have been used to secure contracts from various spheres of government.
Macpherson said the CIDB had been instructed to immediately investigate the matter and report back to him.
Madzinganyama said he would cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities and any investigations arising from the restaurant incident. He also revealed that he is seeking professional guidance and will undertake a conflict management programme.
“I must now demonstrate accountability through meaningful, sustained action and ensure that this conduct is never repeated,” he said
