Gwede Mantashe Responds to ANC Women’s League’s Demand for Apology

ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe has responded to the African National Congress Women’s League’s (ANCWL) demand that he apologise for remarks the organisation has described as disturbing and derogatory.

Mantashe indicated that he did not understand what he was expected to apologise for, arguing that the Women’s League had not approached him directly about the matter.

The dispute has drawn attention to tensions within the governing party, with the ANCWL calling for an apology over comments it believes were inappropriate.

However, Mantashe’s response suggests that he is questioning how the demand was communicated and why he is being asked to apologise without what he describes as direct engagement from the organisation.

His position leaves the central disagreement unresolved, as the Women’s League has expressed its dissatisfaction with his remarks while Mantashe says he has not been given a clear explanation of what requires an apology.

The ANCWL’s demand places renewed focus on the expectations surrounding public statements by senior ANC figures, particularly when their comments are viewed as offensive or disrespectful by other structures within the party.

Such disagreements can become politically significant because the ANC comprises different leagues and internal formations that often seek to influence the party’s direction and hold its leaders accountable.

Mantashe’s response, however, indicates that he is not prepared to offer an apology without understanding the specific basis for the demand.

The issue now centres on whether the ANCWL will engage him directly to explain its concerns and whether the two sides can reach an understanding over the remarks in question.

Until that happens, the disagreement remains open, with both the demand for accountability and Mantashe’s call for clarity forming part of the ongoing discussion.

The controversy also raises a broader question about how political organisations handle internal disagreements, particularly when statements by senior leaders trigger objections from other structures within the same movement.

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