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ANC tells Gwede Mantashe to apologise over sex-for-jobs remarks

Published

The ANC said it considers the matter closed after talks with its national working committee. The party called Mantashe's remarks "unfortunate". They were about claims that a councillor demanded sex from women in return for jobs.

The ANC told its national chairperson to give a sincere apology. Mantashe made the remarks while campaigning in the North West, in reply to complaints about an unnamed councillor.

The ANC Women's League called his response "uncouth" and "unbecoming" of an ANC official and government minister. It also wanted him to face disciplinary action for what it called derogatory remarks against women.

Mantashe told a journalist: "Don't involve me in issues of asking for [sex]; this person asked for sex from a person that he encountered; this can't be an ANC issue." He later said he had apologised but did not know what he was apologising for.

Key facts

Who
Gwede Mantashe (ANC national chairperson); African National Congress (governing party that directed Mantashe to apologise); ANC Women's League (ANC women's wing that called for Mantashe to apologise and face disciplinary…)
What
After deliberations with its national working committee, the ANC told Mantashe to apologise for remarks made while campaigning in the North West about claims that an unnamed councillor demanded sex from women in return for jobs. The party said the matter is considered closed.
When
22 October 2026
Where
North West
Status
Reported

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