The African National Congress (ANC) has directed its national chairperson, Gwede Mantashe, to issue a sincere apology following controversial remarks he made regarding alleged sex-for-jobs practices during campaigning in the North West province.
The party’s National Working Committee stated on 23 October that Mantashe had been instructed to apologise and that the matter was now considered closed. This move comes after public criticism and calls from the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) for disciplinary action against Mantashe.
The controversy began on 17 October when Mantashe responded to questions on the ANC campaign trail in North West about allegations that a local councillor demanded sexual favours in exchange for employment. His remarks sparked outrage, with the ANCWL demanding a public apology and an apology to a journalist involved in the interview.
“Leaders of the ANC carry a heightened responsibility to uphold these principles through their words and actions, confront discrimination and advance gender equality,” the ANC said in a statement. The ANCWL secretary-general, Nokuthula Nqaba, said, “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.”
Mantashe himself stated on the SABC that he had apologised, but also claimed he was unsure what he was apologising for. “I’m apologising, but I don’t know what I must apologise for,” he told reporters. In a separate statement, he also said, “No, I am not apologising for something I do not know.” Despite this, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula later confirmed the matter was settled.
The ANC’s firm stance underscores the party’s effort to maintain discipline and project accountability during the ongoing 2024 elections campaign. However, it remains important to note that the underlying claims of sex-for-jobs corruption involving councillors have not been independently verified by any public sources or SAPS statements at this stage.
The directive for Mantashe to apologise highlights sensitivity around gender equality and abuse of power issues within the ANC’s ranks, especially during an election period when public scrutiny is heightened. No public records or statements confirm that a formal disciplinary hearing has taken place beyond the apology directive.
The ANC campaign context in the North West where the interview took place remains confirmed, and the party’s leadership has moved quickly to contain the fallout. This incident adds to broader debates on corruption and misconduct allegations affecting local government representatives ahead of the elections.
Cape Flats.co.za will monitor any further developments, including possible disciplinary processes or follow-up statements from the ANC and Gwede Mantashe.