Photos of Mtsweni-Tsipane circulated on social media showing her without a mask on her face inside the venue and at the cemetery.
Premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane delivers the welcoming remarks during the Official Service for Minister Jackson Mthembu. Picture: GCIS
JOHANNESBURG – Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane has apologised for what she called a “brief moment” of not wearing a face mask during the funeral of Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu, in Emalahleni on Sunday.
Photos of Mtsweni-Tsipane circulated on social media showing her without a mask on her face inside the venue and at the cemetery.
Premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane delivers the welcoming remarks during the Official Service for Minister Jackson Mthembu #RIPJacksonMthembu pic.twitter.com/Y0IAfXgEko
South African Government (@GovernmentZA) January 24, 2021
Shortly after stepping down from the stage at the beginning of the funeral service, Deputy President David Mabuza is seen gesturing to Mtsweni to put her mask on.
She is lying she had the mask in her hand, even DD tried to remind her here that she needs to put on her mask. Pap spinning. pic.twitter.com/nrxPk2DAnc
Isaac Mangena (@Ice_Izo) January 24, 2021
According to her, the reason behind this is that, upon arrival at the cemetery and disembarking from her vehicle, her mask was “damaged” and she was “oblivious” to the fact that it had fallen off.
She said she thought that the mask was intact as had been the case throughout the proceedings.
“The Premier’s aides promptly sought a replacement mask which the Premier utilized for the rest of the proceedings, her office said in a statement.
“The Premier has extended an apology to the people of Mpumalanga for that momentary lapse wherein her mask fell without her being aware or conscious of it.”
Eyewitness News could not, however, ascertain whether she at any point during the day wore a mask as photos taken and supplied of her only show her without one on her face or anywhere near her.
According to level 3 lockdown regulations currently in place, it is mandatory to wear a mask at all times while in public. Failure to do so could result in an arrest or fine imposed on offenders.
Download the Eyewitness News app to your iOS or Android device.
