The Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday ordered former Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Mduduzi Manana to pay R100 000 fine or face 12 months in jail.
He was also ordered to complete 500 hours of community service and to complete a rehabilitation program.
On September 13, Manana was convicted of three counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm after pleading guilty to the charges.
The charges relate to the assault of three women at Cubana in Fourways on August 6 which was filmed and went viral on social media sparking a national outcry for his arrest.
Manana, in his plea explanation, said he was asked by one of the women, Noluthando Mahlaba, who joined their table: “Who do you think you are? You isitabane [gay].”
He said, following this remark, he intentionally assaulted Mahlaba with an open hand on her face and back.
Manana also pulled her hair, pulled her to the ground, kicked and punched her.
Final arguments for sentencing were heard on November 8.
These three grown men assaulted one woman. Manana saw it fit to assault this woman too and then assaulted another woman too.”
Smith described this as a “barbaric act”.
She said that Manana – who indicated that alcohol played a role in the assault – needs “correctional supervision” where he won’t be allowed to consume alcohol.
Bill said Manana was provoked and that Magistrate Ramsamy Reddy must consider certain circumstances in this regard.
He argued for a sentence of 12 months imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years.
Bill said this should be subject to Manana attending a rehabilitation programme and doing 500 hours of community service.