Her statement came after experts revealed that the signing on stage next to world leaders was incomprehensible.

Thamsanqa Jantjie, the translator at the center of the controversy, has defended his performance and credentials amid growing criticism. But earlier, he said he had panicked and hallucinated that angels were entering the stadium. He claimed he suffered from schizophrenia and had been violent in the past. He apologized for his performance.

Government officials say they have tried to track down the company that provided the translator. But according to deputy minister, Bogopane-Zulu, the owners "have vanished into thin air".