South Africa ex-deputy minister pleads guilty to assault

South Africa's former deputy minister of higher education has pleaded guilty to assault during an appearance at a magistrates' court. 

Mduduzi Manana was accused of beating two women at a nightclub in Johannesburg last month.

The incident caused a public outcry, forcing Mr Manana to resign from President Jacob Zuma's government. He remains an MP for the governing African National Congress. 

Today, a number of students were outside the courthouse to support him, saying they wanted him to be “rehabilitated”.

Mr Manana is currently out on 5,000 rand ($382; £288) bail.

He is due to be sentenced on 7 November.