In an audio recording, Mazibuko was heard saying that unless they ensured the delivery of 'combi' (sports) facilities before the elections, they should resign or be fired.

"I want those combi courts. Even if you have to construct them with your own hands, I want those courts ... if it means you go fly magic, you better do it," she was heard saying. 

She went on to say, "which other department has an Indian that is a CFO? Which department has an HOD who's Mlungu (White) ... including national? So you must thank me for empowering you.

"That is why some departments, they don't even want to see a White woman or any Indian woman .... It's not about racism. It's because you like to keep English."

The ANC responded saying it was embarrassed by Mazibuko's comments and said they were "inexplicably racist".

In a statement released on Thursday, Mazibuko said, “after deep personal reflections, I want to unreservedly apologise for the tone and improper language I used towards my Head of Department (HOD) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

“I'm a firm believer of women empowerment, irrespective of race and sexual orientation, because women under Apartheid suffered what we came to understand as triple oppression.

“I will continue to work hard to build a non-racial and non-sexist society. These are the ideals I will continue to champion and uphold whether in government or elsewhere as an ordinary member of society,” she said.

The ANC said it would get the party's Integrity Committee to advise what action should be taken against the MEC. 

Mazibuko said she will subject herself to whatever appropriate sanction is imposed on her by the Premier and the party. 

eNCA