The SABC has apologised to newly sworn-in ANC MP and presidential hopeful Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma for referring to her as President Jacob Zuma's ex-wife, rather than using her name.
The public broadcaster has acknowledged the "mistakes were demeaning" to Dlamini-Zuma, according to Independent Online.
"This was sexist and wrong. The flippant response from the SABC spokesperson [Kaizer Kganyago] when asked about this was equally insulting," the corporation's acting group CEO Nomsa Philiso said in a statement.
Kganyago reportedly said the criticism SABC TV news was receiving was part of the so-called "silly season" leading up to the ANC's elective conference. He said he was unaware of instances where the SABC had referred to Dlamini-Zuma in this manner.
The public broadcaster is set to investigate the incident, as well as statements made by Kganyago.
On Saturday, the ANC Women's League also lashed out at the SABC, saying it had noted "with disgust" that SABC TV news had "degenerated into being a proponent of patriarchy and cheerleaders of male chauvinism".