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

South Africa’s political landscape has once again collided with the nation’s ongoing battle for gender equality, as the African National Congress (ANC) has ordered its national chairperson, Gwede Mantashe, to apologise for remarks made during a recent campaign stop in the North West. The comments, which hinted at the prevalence of “sex‑for‑jobs” practices, sparked a firestorm on social media and prompted an unequivocal response from the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL). As the party gears up for the upcoming elections, the incident underscores the heightened scrutiny placed on leaders’ language when it comes to women’s rights, and it reverberates through the broader conversation about transformation and accountability in South African society.

From campaign trail to controversy: what Mantashe said

During an interview with Newzroom Afrika on the sidelines of the ANC’s North West campaign, Gwede Mantashe addressed the thorny issue of sexual exploitation in the labour market. While the exact wording was not reproduced in the source, the interview sparked immediate backlash, with critics accusing the chairperson of normalising a practice that the ANC publicly condemns. The remarks were perceived as a reference to the disturbing reality that some women are pressured to exchange sexual favours for employment opportunities.

Social media erupted, with users branding Mantashe a “dirty old man” and demanding accountability. The tone of the online reaction reflected a broader frustration among South Africans who feel that political leaders must not only denounce gender‑based exploitation but also embody the values they espouse. The controversy quickly moved beyond the interview itself, becoming a flashpoint for discussions about how the ANC handles internal discipline and gender‑based violence.

ANC Women’s League demands accountability

The ANCWL, long a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment within the party, responded swiftly. Secretary‑General Nokuthula Nqaba called for Mantashe to apologise not only to the journalist who posed the question but also to “the women of South Africa,” invoking the party’s own policies on women empowerment. Nqaba stressed that it was “unfair that such derogatory language was used during an interview,” emphasizing that the journalist was asking on behalf of South Africans to protect women’s rights.

Beyond an apology, the league pressed for disciplinary action, signalling that the issue was not merely about a slip of the tongue but about the deeper responsibility of leaders to align their conduct with the ANC’s gender‑equality agenda. The call for discipline reflects the league’s broader strategy of holding senior officials to account, a stance that has grown louder in recent years as the party confronts internal gender‑based challenges.

Party spokesperson reiterates the ANC’s stance

ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu echoed the league’s condemnation, reaffirming the party’s “firm position that women deserve respect, dignity, empowerment and opportunities to realise their full potential.” Bhengu highlighted the persistent problem of unequal gender power relations that expose women to sexual exploitation, including demands for sexual favours in exchange for jobs. She framed such conduct as a “grave abuse of power” that must be eradicated from South African society.

The spokesperson also underscored the heightened responsibility of ANC leaders to communicate with “dignity and sensitivity,” and to ensure that employment access is never conditional on sexual favours. This public reaffirmation serves both as a damage‑control measure and as a reminder to party members that the ANC’s official policies on gender equality remain non‑negotiable, even as individual leaders stumble.

Implications for the ANC’s election campaign

The timing of the controversy could not be more critical. With the ANC campaigning across provinces, any perception of hypocrisy threatens to erode voter confidence, especially among women who constitute a decisive voting bloc. The league’s demand for disciplinary action signals an internal push to demonstrate that the party will police its own ranks, a narrative that could mitigate some of the political fallout.

However, the incident also provides opposition parties with ammunition. Critics can point to the episode as evidence of a party out of touch with the lived realities of South African women, especially in a climate where gender‑based violence remains a national crisis. The ANC’s response, therefore, will be measured not only in terms of an apology but also in the concrete steps it takes to enforce accountability among its senior officials.

Social media’s role in shaping the narrative

Twitter and other platforms amplified the backlash, with users sharing screenshots of the interview and attaching scathing commentary. The hashtag‑driven criticism turned the interview clip into a viral moment, illustrating how digital discourse can pressure political parties to act swiftly. The public outcry forced the ANC to issue an official statement, demonstrating the power of online mobilisation in South Africa’s political arena.

Importantly, the social media response also highlighted a broader public demand for zero tolerance on gender‑based exploitation. Many commenters referenced the ANC’s own gender‑based violence policies, demanding that the party walk the talk. This digital pressure aligns with a growing trend where citizens use online platforms to hold leaders accountable, a dynamic that the ANC cannot ignore as it navigates the upcoming elections.

Historical context: gender politics within the ANC

The ANC’s relationship with gender issues has been complex. Since the liberation struggle, women’s organisations within the party have fought for equal representation and for policies that protect women’s rights. The ANCWL, in particular, has been a driving force behind legislation such as the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Offences Act. Yet, internal scandals and allegations of “sex‑for‑jobs” have periodically surfaced, challenging the party’s credibility on gender matters.

Mantashe’s remarks, therefore, strike a chord because they appear to echo a lingering problem that the ANC has long pledged to eradicate. The league’s swift condemnation reflects an ongoing internal tension: the need to maintain party unity while confronting uncomfortable truths about power dynamics within its own structures. This tension will likely shape future policy discussions and internal reforms, especially as the party seeks to present a united front on gender equality during the election season.

Looking ahead: what accountability could look like

The ANC’s next steps will be closely watched. An apology, as demanded by the ANCWL, would be a symbolic gesture, but the league’s call for disciplinary action suggests a desire for more substantive consequences. Potential outcomes could range from a formal reprimand to a temporary suspension from party duties, depending on internal processes and the political calculus surrounding Mantashe’s seniority.

Beyond individual repercussions, the incident may catalyse broader reforms within the party’s candidate selection and vetting processes. Strengthening mechanisms to prevent “sex‑for‑jobs” practices could become a campaign promise, aligning with the ANC’s public commitment to gender equality. For South Africans, especially women who have long demanded safe and dignified workplaces, the resolution of this controversy will be a litmus test of whether the ANC can translate its rhetoric into tangible action.

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Reporting is based on the source material cited below. Sources: The South African; thesouthafrican.com; Global1.News (25 October 2026).

By Dante Williams, Staff Writer