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Mantashe refuses to apologise over sex-for-jobs remarks

Published

Minister Gwede Mantashe says he does not know what he should apologise for, after the ANC Women's League demanded a public apology and disciplinary action over comments he made on the North West campaign trail.

Mantashe made the remarks about a municipal councillor accused of asking job seekers for sexual favours. A video of his comments on the North West campaign trail this month circulated widely. In it, he said: "This can’t be an ANC issue."

Mantashe said the ANC Women's League had not approached him directly to explain its concerns. He also said Xhosa linguists agree with his reading of the language he used. In his view, nothing he said needs an apology.

The league wants him to apologise in public and face disciplinary action over his response to the allegations.

Key facts

Who
Gwede Mantashe (Mineral and petroleum resources minister); ANC Women's League (League demanding a public apology and disciplinary action against Mantashe); Fikile Mbalula (ANC secretary-general)
What
The ANC Women's League (ANCWL) escalated its clash with Gwede Mantashe, reiterating on Thursday its call for him to apologise for trivialising a claim that some ANC leaders demanded sex for jobs during a door-to-door election campaign. Mantashe said on Wednesday he did not know what he should apologise for.
When
21 October 2026
Where
North West, South Africa
Status
Reported

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