What Minister of Minerals and Energy Buyelwe Sonjica claimed she said:

“I was presenting a 12-minute speech and that speech did not say ‘go to bed, go to bed, go to bed’,” said Sonjica, adding that Democratic Alliance politician Leon heckled her, asking what happened when the lights were turned off.

“I was chastising Tony Leon, and I said to him ‘You go to bed, you are stupid, go to bed and then you will grow and become cleverer.’

“It was not directed at South Africans.”

What she actually said:

“Hon members, I want to conclude by introducing these tips – a 10-point plan that will go towards changing our behaviour in the consumption of electricity. “All appliances must be switched off … [interjections] … at the wall, and not the remote control. We can save about 40MW there. Switch off all lights in the home when not in use and go to sleep early so that you can grow … [laughter] … and be cleverer. — Hansard

This isn’t her brightest hour. Perhaps what the good minister really needs is a bit more sleep?