Mantashe says he doesn’t know what to apologise for over remarks

ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe says he is willing to apologise but does not understand what for, as a dispute with the party’s Women’s League over his comments on alleged intimacy-for-jobs abuse continues, The Citizen reported.

Speaking to the SABC in Cape Town at the 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, Mantashe said: “I’m apologising, but I don’t know what I must apologise for.” He said he had expected the Women’s League to speak to him so that he would know exactly what the problem was, but that this had not happened.

He did not retract what he said. He asked which part of his remarks needed an apology, and added that “Xhosa linguists agree with me” that nothing in his words called for one.

How the row started

The dispute goes back to a campaign stop in Bojanala, North West. Mantashe was questioned about claims that a municipal councillor had demanded sex from women looking for work. The allegations have not been tested, and the source does not name the councillor.

Mantashe tried to separate the party from the claims. He argued that the alleged behaviour was the act of one individual and should not be treated as an ANC issue. He used crude language that was widely reported and shared on social media.

The ANC Women’s League reacted quickly. It described his words as derogatory, improper and out of step with the values the party says it holds.

What the Women’s League wants

The league’s secretary-general, Nokuthula Nqaba, apologised on its behalf to the Newzroom Afrika journalist who put the question to Mantashe. She also urged him to apologise publicly, both to the journalist and to the wider public, for what she called “inappropriate remarks”.

The league has also asked the ANC to reprimand Mantashe and begin internal disciplinary steps. It said his comments formed part of a pattern of insults and attacks aimed at women.

What this means for readers

The row is internal to the ANC, and no disciplinary process has been announced in the report. It does, however, put a spotlight on the underlying allegation that jobs are being offered in return for intimacy, which is a concern for many people looking for work.

• The claims about the councillor are allegations only and have not been proven.
• It is not yet known whether the ANC will act on the Women’s League’s request for a reprimand.
• Mantashe has said he is open to apologising but wants to know what for.

This story is based on reporting by The Citizen.