Matome Robert Mahlaste Thoka has issued a public apology following controversy surrounding a leaked video involving a private moment with a woman he says he later discovered was married.
In a statement dated 12 August 2026 and addressed to the people of South Africa, Thoka said he was writing with a “deeply humbled and heavy heart” and acknowledged that the incident had caused pain, anger, disappointment and other difficult emotions among those affected.
Thoka said he had listened to the concerns expressed by South Africans and wanted to address the matter without being defensive. He expressed remorse over what he described as poor judgement and accepted responsibility for failing to establish the woman’s marital status before the private encounter.
According to Thoka, he only discovered that the woman was married after the video was leaked. He said he should have independently verified her marital status before becoming involved with her and acknowledged that he “threw caution to the wind” by failing to do so.
“For that, I am truly sorry,” Thoka said, offering what he described as a profound apology for his omission.
A significant part of his statement was directed towards the Shai family, whom he said had suffered tremendous pain as a result of the situation. Thoka specifically apologised to the family and rejected the suggestion that causing the breakdown of a marriage was consistent with how he had been raised.
“I’m not a home wrecker,” he said.
Thoka also sought to apologise to everyone who had been hurt, disappointed or distressed by the events surrounding the leaked video. He said he did not want to make excuses, dismiss anyone’s feelings or suggest that words alone could undo the consequences of what had happened.
The statement further acknowledged that his actions had consequences beyond the individuals directly involved. Thoka said his conduct affected his family, people who care about him and members of the public who had followed the matter and held him in high regard.
He also recognised the responsibilities that come with being in the public eye, saying he accepted that there are consequences attached to public scrutiny.
Rather than attempting to defend himself, Thoka said he was choosing humility and reflection. He acknowledged that he was not perfect and said the controversy had provided an opportunity for him to learn from his mistakes.
“I cannot change what has already happened,” he said, adding that he could take the situation seriously, learn from it and work towards becoming a better person.
In a message to his family, supporters and South Africans who felt hurt or disappointed, Thoka again expressed his regret. He also included a message in Sepedi: “Ntshwareleng! Sepedi sere sengwe a phosa dira ga a bolalwe,” reinforcing his appeal for forgiveness.
Thoka conceded that rebuilding trust would not happen simply because he had issued a public statement. Instead, he said trust would have to be restored over time through accountability and actions.
The statement ended with Thoka asking for an opportunity to do better and signing off with the words, “With humility and remorse.”
While the apology provides Thoka’s account and response to the controversy, it does not independently establish all the circumstances surrounding the leaked video or the relationships involved. His statement is primarily an expression of remorse and an acknowledgement of the impact of his actions.
For now, Thoka says his focus is on accepting the consequences, reflecting on his decisions and demonstrating through his future conduct that he has learned from the controversy.
Read his statement below:
Source: Thepressradio.com
