I Don’t Know What to Apologise For’: Gwede Mantashe Responds to ANCWL Backlash
African National Congress (ANC) Chairperson Gwede Mantashe has pushed back against demands from the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) for a public apology, claiming the league has failed to communicate with him directly regarding his allegedly “disturbing and derogatory” remarks.
The public spat erupted after the ANCWL issued a stern statement condemning recent utterances made by Mantashe.
The league characterized his comments as offensive and unacceptable, demanding an immediate and unconditional retraction.
However, addressing the media on the matter, Mantashe expressed confusion over the controversy.
He stated that he remains in the dark about the exact nature of his offense because leadership from the Women’s League has not approached him to discuss the issue.
“The ANCWL has not engaged me directly on this matter,” Mantashe said. “As it stands, I do not even know what it is I am expected to apologise for.”
The breakdown in communication highlights ongoing internal tensions within the governing party’s structures.
Observers note that public disagreements of this nature point to a preference for media confrontation over traditional, internal organizational channels.
The ANCWL has yet to clarify whether they intend to hold a formal meeting with the party chairperson or if they will maintain their public stance until an apology is issued.
