‘I Don’t Know What To Apologise For” Gwede Mantashe Responds To ANCWL Backlash, Check Out

African National Congress (ANC) National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe has responded to criticism from the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) over remarks it considers offensive and derogatory, questioning the demand for a public apology and saying he has not been approached directly by the organisation.

The controversy erupted after the ANCWL issued a statement condemning Mantashe’s recent remarks, describing them as “disturbing and derogatory”. The league called on the senior ANC leader to retract his comments and issue an immediate and unconditional public apology.

However, Mantashe has challenged the demand, arguing that he does not understand what he is expected to apologise for because, according to him, the Women’s League has not communicated its concerns to him directly.

Speaking to the media, Mantashe expressed confusion over the controversy, indicating that he had not received a direct approach from the league’s leadership to explain why his comments had caused offence.

His response has brought the disagreement between the ANC chairperson and the Women’s League into the public spotlight, raising questions about communication and accountability within the governing party.

The ANCWL’s condemnation reflects its position that public statements by senior party leaders should be scrutinised when they are perceived to undermine or disrespect women. By demanding a retraction and an unconditional apology, the league has made it clear that it considers the matter serious enough to warrant a formal response.

Mantashe, however, appears to be questioning the manner in which the complaint has been handled. His position suggests that he wants the league to communicate its grievances directly rather than demand an apology publicly without first engaging him on the matter.

The disagreement highlights the challenges political organisations face when addressing controversial remarks by their senior members. While public criticism can draw attention to statements considered inappropriate, direct engagement between party structures can also provide an opportunity to clarify disputed comments and address concerns.

As a senior figure within the ANC, Mantashe occupies a prominent position in the party’s leadership. His response to the Women’s League’s demands is therefore likely to attract attention among party members and political observers interested in the relationship between the ANC’s leadership and its women’s structures.

The ANCWL’s demand for an apology and Mantashe’s response represent two distinct positions in the dispute. The league has called for accountability over remarks it considers offensive, while Mantashe says he does not know what he should apologise for in the absence of direct communication from the organisation.

It remains unclear from the information available whether the two sides will hold a meeting to resolve the disagreement or whether Mantashe will eventually respond formally to the league’s demand.

For now, the dispute remains centred on the ANCWL’s call for a public apology and Mantashe’s insistence that the organisation has not directly explained its grievances to him.

Further developments will depend on whether the ANC Women’s League provides additional clarification regarding the remarks and whether the two parties engage in discussions to resolve the matter.

Source; https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2112922568705364450