JOHANNESBURG - Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba says he will take legal action against former radio host Redi Tlhabi.

A statement released by the Home Affairs Department on Thursday night says Gigaba has instructed attorneys to institute legal action against Tlhabi for defamation of character.

The legal action follows a dispute between the two earlier this week when Tlhabi tweeted about the minister's decision to change visa regulations, claiming that it was based on personal circumstances.

YOU had a personal issue of yr ex wife making travel arrangements with yr daughter without your consent, so you decided "I'll sort this problem out?" You implemented untested regulations, claiming to address child trafficking? Have your regulations brought child trafficking down?

— Redi Tlhabi (@RediTlhabi) September 25, 2018

Is it not true that you were LIVID when a cousin of your ex wife travelled with your daughter Lerato, whilst your wife was in Cuba? Upon finding out, you laid charges of kidnapping..even though you knew your ex wife's cousin very well & your daughter was quite happy with her?

— Redi Tlhabi (@RediTlhabi) September 25, 2018

@mgigaba how do you do it?How do you just come & repeal regulations that barely 3 yrs ago, you were warned were impractical, destructive & untested? We asked for feasibility studies & empirical evidence. Instead you & your minions were labeling & lashing out at anyone who asked & https://t.co/UYBZjPz0vc

— Redi Tlhabi (@RediTlhabi) September 25, 2018

Gigaba had given Tlhabi an ultimatum to apologise by 5 pm on Thursday.

For the record, @RediTlhabi, I’m not bothered by your using my name to ingratiate yourself to the band of uninformed incorrigible racists you’ve made a career out of sucking up to. Victimise my daughter again, though, and you’ll discover that I’m capable of sinking to your level.

— Malusi Gigaba (@mgigaba) September 26, 2018

The Home Affairs ministry has announced that Minister Gigaba has instructed lawyers to institute legal action against Redi for defamation. pic.twitter.com/fHZfW18z4S

— Scapegoat (@AndiMakinana) September 27, 2018

Tlhabi took to Twitter on Thursday night, saying that she had not received the summons.

Dear "media".....so sorry I cannot take your MANY calls. My lover and I are watching @Trevornoah . As working parents, this is our time😊😊😊. I have not received summons....yet. So until then, there's nothing that warrants a comment.

— Redi Tlhabi (@RediTlhabi) September 27, 2018

(Edited by Mihlali Ntsabo)