The ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) has demanded that African National Congress chairperson Gwede Mantashe publicly apologise to a Newzroom Afrika journalist and the public over what it described as derogatory and morally objectionable remarks.
In a statement issued on Sunday 18 October by the league’s secretary-general Nokuthula Ngaba, the ANCWL said it was deeply disturbed by Mantashe’s response to media questions about allegations of sex-for-jobs practices in parts of the country’s labour force.
The league also called for organisational disciplinary action against Mantashe, citing what it described as repeated insults and attacks on women.
“The ANC Women’s League apologises to the Newzroom journalist and calls on Comrade Gwede Mantashe to issue a public apology to both the journalist and the public for his inappropriate remarks,” the statement reads.
The ANCWL further called on the ANC leadership to reprimand Mantashe, arguing that his position as a senior leader of the governing party demanded a higher standard of conduct.
It rejected the use of his age to excuse what it described as dishonourable behaviour.
“ As an elder of the ANC, he should offer women wisdom and counsel, not subject them to morally objectionable language,” the league said.
The statement emphasised that the ANC had a longstanding commitment to non-sexism, equality and the dignity of all people, principles it said were central to the organisation’s policies and history.
It also invoked the party’s founding values, which it said were rooted in Christian principles, arguing that leaders across generations had a responsibility to uphold revolutionary morality and moral regeneration.
The ANCWL said Mantashe’s remarks were inconsistent with these values and the responsibility entrusted to leaders of an organisation that seeks to lead society.
The controversy centres on Mantashe’s response to questions concerning allegations of sex-for-jobs practices, an issue that raises concerns about the exploitation of women and the abuse of power in employment.
The ANCWL’s demand for an apology and disciplinary action places pressure on the party’s leadership to address the matter internally and demonstrate its commitment to accountability and the protection of women’s dignity.
Mantashe sparked outrage when he spewed foul language during an interview with Newzroom Afrika journalist who asked him about allegations that some councillors demand sex from women in exchange for jobs or assistance.
Mantashe responded in isiXhosa with a crude reference to female genitalia, saying:
“Don’t involve me in this business of asking for pussy.”
He went on to argue that if councillors demand sex after being elected, their alleged misconduct should not be attributed to the ANC.
He reportedly compared it to councillors committing murder, saying the party should not be blamed for an individual’s misconduct.
The league believes Mantashe’s language was degrading and inappropriate for a senior party leader, particularly when responding to allegations involving the exploitation of women. It has demanded that he apologise publicly to the journalist and the public, and face disciplinary action.