United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader and Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa caused a stir after losing his temper during a live radio interview on Gagasi FM.
The incident occurred during a current affairs show hosted by Alex Mthiyane. Tensions rose when a caller pressed Holomisa on issues of accountability and his party’s role in addressing the challenges facing South Africans. In an unexpected outburst, Holomisa told both the caller and the host to “go to hell,” leaving the studio stunned.
The exchange prompted immediate reaction from listeners on social media, with many criticizing the Deputy Minister for conduct they deemed unbecoming of a senior government official.
Political analysts described the incident as a worrying sign of how some leaders handle public scrutiny, noting that such reactions undermine democratic engagement. Civil society groups called on Holomisa to issue an apology, emphasizing that public officials must set an example for respectful interaction with citizens.
The UDM has not issued an official statement on the incident, and attempts to reach Holomisa’s office for comment were unsuccessful. The outburst has raised questions about the potential impact on the reputation of Holomisa, who has long positioned himself as a voice of integrity in South African politics.