The ANC has ordered its national chairperson Gwede Mantashe to issue a formal apology following explicit and sexist remarks he made during a television interview while campaigning in the North West province.

In a stern rebuke, the ruling party described Mantashe’s comments as "unfortunate", declaring that such conduct constitutes a grave abuse of power.

The matter stems from a question a journalist had asked Mantashe about allegations that a councillor was requesting sexual favours from women in exchange for jobs.

Mantashe sought to distance the party from the incident, using words that the ANC Women’s League said were derogatory and improper.

ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri addressed the matter, reiterating the party's firm policy position that women deserve absolute respect, dignity, empowerment, and the opportunity to realise their full potential.

The party acknowledged the systemic vulnerabilities that women continue to face in political and socioeconomic spheres.

“We recognise that unequal gender and power relations continue to expose women to sexual exploitation, including demands for sexual favours in exchange for employment and other opportunities,” Bhengu-Motsiri stated.

The ANC emphasised that its leadership carries a heightened responsibility to uphold these principles through both their words and actions.

The party says leaders must actively confront discrimination and advance gender equality at all levels.

Bhengi said this responsibility includes communicating with dignity and sensitivity, protecting women from exploitation and ensuring that access to employment and opportunities is never conditional on sexual favours.

The party stated it remains unequivocal in its commitment to building a society where every woman can live and work completely free from coercion, abuse, and discrimination.