ANC directs Mantashe to apologise for crude ‘sex-for-jobs’ remarks

By Simon Nare

The ANC has directed its national chairperson, Gwede Mantashe, to offer a “sincere apology” for sexist remarks made during a national television interview that angered the party’s Women’s League, which described his comments as “primitive, uncouth” and said they perpetuated patriarchy.

In a statement on Thursday, the ANC said the National Officials and the National Working Committee (NWC) had met to reflect on Mantashe’s conduct following the outcry over his remarks.

“Following these deliberations, the national chairperson has been directed to offer a sincere apology and the matter considered closed,” the party said.

It reiterated its position that women deserved respect, dignity, empowerment and the opportunity to realise their full potential.

The matter was escalated to higher party structures after Mantashe resisted calls by the Women’s League to apologise to all women.

The league accused him of vulgarising the language and criticised his response to its demands.