For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Thabi Shomolekae.

Making headlines: ANC orders Gwede Mantashe to apologise over sexist remarks; MKP removes SG over communication, administrative breakdowns; And, Swiss government says Nigeria Ebola patient did not travel to Congo

ANC orders Gwede Mantashe to apologise over sexist remarks

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 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.

MKP removes SG over communication, administrative breakdowns

The MKP has relieved its secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo of his duties, appointing Lindiwe Mtshali as the acting secretary-general.

According to a party statement, the decision stems from a series of administrative and communication failures that bypassed the party's top leadership.

MKP national spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu pointed to the establishment of high-level deployment committees without the knowledge or approval of relevant party leadership structures.

To ensure continuity in the coordination, administration, and organisational affairs of the party, the MKP said Mtshali as an acting secretary-general will work closely with national chairperson Mxolisi Phakathi.

Mahlangu will retain his national spokesperson role while absorbing additional responsibilities associated with the office of the deputy secretary-general.

And, Swiss government says Nigeria Ebola patient did not travel to Congo

The Ebola patient in Nigeria, the Ugandan-born wife of a Swiss diplomat based in Abuja, did not travel to Democratic Republic of Congo, the Swiss government said in a statement today, contradicting accounts from Uganda.

Yesterday, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs told newswires that the woman, who it identified as a Swiss national, was believed to have contracted Ebola while travelling with her husband in Uganda, where the government says there are no cases.

Ugandan authorities have said the woman who fell ill in Nigeria had travelled to eastern Congo, where the ongoing outbreak was declared in mid-May and has since become the fastest-spreading on record.

But the World Health Organization and Africa's top health agency said they had not received confirmed ​information that the woman had travelled to Congo.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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