Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Bantu Holomisa, is facing strong criticism after a heated exchange during a live broadcast on Gagasi FM this week.
Bantu Holomisa under fire after radio clash
Holomisa told both a caller and host Alex Mthiyane to “go to hell,” a remark that has caused a wave of public anger.
The clash comes at a time when Holomisa is already under pressure.
The deputy minister has been doing damage control following outrage over South African National Defence Force (SANDF) chief General Rudzani Maphwanya’s visit to Iran — a trip that was not initially explained to the public.
The timing is sensitive, as South Africa is trying to repair strained relations with the United States after President Donald Trump imposed 30% tariffs on South African exports earlier in August 2025.
A tariff is a tax placed on goods imported from another country. This means South African products entering the US now cost more, making them less competitive. Economists warn this could slow South Africa’s economic growth, reduce exports, and raise prices for consumers.
President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke with US President Donald Trump on 6 August 2025 in an attempt to resolve the matter, but no breakthrough was announced.
What happened on Gagasi FM?
The confrontation took place during a call-in segment where listeners were invited to question Holomisa. One caller accused him of being “arrogant” and “useless,” saying government leaders were failing to be accountable.
Holomisa fired back:
“This is a compliment if you are saying I’m arrogant. You are also arrogant.”
When the caller pushed further, saying proper leaders were needed, Holomisa snapped:
“Thank you very much, you didn’t vote for me, go to hell.”
Host Alex Mthiyane stepped in, asking Holomisa to retract his words.
“General, you are a deputy minister. Yes, he didn’t vote for you, but you are still his leader,” Mthiyane said.
Holomisa refused, insisting the caller had disrespected him.
“If you are not satisfied, go to hell as well,” he told Mthiyane live on air.
The interview was cut short after 30 minutes.
The comments have been described as disrespectful, with many South Africans saying Holomisa showed a lack of accountability. Social media users accused him of arrogance and unprofessional conduct, particularly because he holds a high public office.
The incident has added to political tensions, with Holomisa remaining silent since the interview. Neither the Department of Defence nor the Deputy Minister’s office has issued an apology.
The Iran visit controversy
Adding fuel to the fire is the recent trip by SANDF chief General Rudzani Maphwanya to Iran. Critics questioned why the visit happened at a time when South Africa’s government is under pressure to maintain good relations with the United States.
In a statement on Wednesday, 20 August 2025, the Department of Defence said the visit had been authorised by the Minister of Defence and was originally planned for 2024 but postponed.
The department confirmed that General Maphwanya reported back to the Minister after returning.
Officials explained that the meetings in Iran focused on “bilateral engagement” — meaning talks between the two countries on matters of shared interest.
They made it clear that the SANDF chief did not give media interviews in Iran and that the Minister was satisfied with his report.