Sorry, not sorry? Floyd Shivambu apologises over 'drugs' allegations
Floyd Shivambu has issued a back-handed apology to MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela, whom he accused of abusing drugs and alcohol.
The former secretary-general made a public apology after he was served with a legal letter of demand and another to appear in court for defamation.
At a press conference last week, Floyd mentioned another MK Party member – supposedly Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla – who he claimed 'took drugs and tweeted at night'.
He has since claimed that his comments were not directed at her.
Speaking at the Mayibuye Consultation Process dialogue on Friday, 27 June, Floyd Shivambu addressed his comments about his fellow MK Party colleague.
'I must unconditionally retract the statements about drug use and alcohol abuse of Nhlamulo Ndhlela'.
However, he added, 'But we take this opportunity to encourage all the people of South Africa to stay away from drugs and alcohol. If they are members of parliament or leaders of different political parties.
'Drugs will never build you, they will make a lot of mistakes'.
Floyd Shivambu's apology comes hours after Nhlamulo Ndhlela posted a screenshot of his court summons over his claims of defamation.
On Wednesday, Nhlamulo posted a letter of demand addressed to Floyd, demanding a public apology, retraction of comments, and a warning to cease defamatory comments.
In an interview with eNCA earlier this week, Floyd Shivambu took aim at Nhlamulo Ndhlela, whom he labelled a 'imbecile' and a 'foolish leader of the MK Party'.
He said: 'He's [Ndhlela] always on drugs and always high on alcohol in terms of how he deals with issues.'
Floyd also accused Nhlamulo of spreading misinformation about him.
He continued: 'He will use the otherwise very gullible and directionless daughter of President Zuma, who has front-row access to him by virtue of being his daughter.'
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