Former Higher Education deputy minister, Mduduzi Manana, has apologised to the women that he assaulted in August this year.

On Monday, Magistrate Elvis Reddy gave Manana 12 months in prison or a R100 000 fine.

He will also start serving his 500 hours of community service Tuesday.

Manana pleaded guilty to three counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after beating up the three women at a Johannesburg night club.

Manana has welcomed the sentence the Randburg Magistrate’s Court has delivered.

“Let me extend my humble apologies to the victims and their families for having subjected them to such a period of immense distress. It is also prudent that I apologise to my family, to my organisation the African National Congress and to the general South African populous for failing to act in a manner expected of a person who occupies public office. I hope that this judgment is not only a learning curve to me but that it will serve as a deterrent to all men, and especially those who hold public office.”