The Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Mduduzi Manana, has resigned.
This was confirmed by the Presidency on Saturday. "President Jacob Zuma had received and accepted the resignation of the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Mduduzi Manana. The president has thanked Mr Manana for his contribution to the work of government during his term of office," said Presidential spokesperson, Dr Bongani Ngqulunga.
Manana had been under pressure from opposition parties and civil society to step down after admitting to beating two women at a Johannesburg nightclub.
The incident was captured on cell-phone camera by an SABC journalist.
Manana appeared in court on Thursday on two charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He was released on bail of R5000.
According to earlier reports Manana, in a cell-phone recording to one of the victims' brothers, admitted slapping a woman because she had called him gay.
The former Deputy Minister had said that he was provoked.
Manana will still face disciplinary action from the ANC. Secretary-General, Gwede Mantashe, said that the party's National Working Committee had decided to "discipline him."
