Footage apparently showing deputy higher education
minister Mduduzi Manana assaulting a woman earlier this month sparked
outrage from civil society and opposition parties and prompted Manana to
offer a public apology.
“President Jacob Zuma has received and accepted the
resignation of the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr
Mduduzi Manana,” the presidency said in a statement.
Manana, who made his first appearance in court last
week on a charge of assaulting Mandisa Duma, had been released on 5,000
rand ($380) bail.
“I have decided – on my own, to step down,” Manana
said, adding that he is seeking professional help and will now focus on
the pending legal proceedings.