From Daily Maverick · Thenjiwe Mtintso · · 3m
Mantashe must apologise for sexist remarks on sex for jobs
ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe dismissed allegations of sexual coercion by councillors as a private matter, drawing calls for an apology and disciplinary action.
In brief
ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe dismissed allegations of sexual coercion by councillors as a private matter, drawing calls for an apology and disciplinary action. ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe used crude language to dismiss allegations that municipal councillors were demanding sexual favours from women for jobs…
Mantashe dismisses sex for jobs allegations
ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe used crude language to dismiss allegations that municipal councillors in a mining town were demanding sexual favours from women in exchange for jobs and assistance.
Thenjiwe Mtintso calls out the remarks
Former ANC deputy secretary-general Thenjiwe Mtintso says Mantashe's response was crude, politically thoughtless and sexist, and that he must apologise.
A national chairperson should lead by example
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A national chairperson is supposed to be a repository of the ANC's policies and values and lead by example. Mantashe has failed to do this and become an embarrassment to the movement.
Previous controversial remarks about violence
Last year, a video went viral in which Mantashe told men not to assault women during disagreements but to use their God-given sticks. He never apologised and the ANC did not reprimand him.
Mayekiso defends the language as cultural
Mzwanele Mayekiso argues in City Press that in pure isiXhosa, calling body parts by their direct names is anatomically, historically, grammatically descriptive and cultural, not crude.
But context matters in African culture
Mtintso argues that Mayekiso misses the point. In African culture, crude language is not used in ordinary daily conversations, and he does not explain the circumstances under which such language would be acceptable.
The real issue goes beyond language
Sex for jobs is sexual coercion and an abuse of power. It reflects unequal power relations between those desperately seeking employment and those demanding sex in exchange for opportunities.
Gender-based violence is a national crisis
Mantashe was responding to allegations in South Africa where gender-based violence and femicide has reached crisis levels. The ANC has committed itself to fighting this and to principles of equality and non-sexism.
Mantashe should have taken it seriously
As national chairperson, Mantashe should have been keen to investigate the allegations rather than crudely dismissing them as a private matter between two people.
What leadership should have done
Mantashe should have called on women to speak out, recognised the unequal power relations, shown anger at the alleged abuser, and clarified the ANC's position on abuse of political power for sexual benefit.
Another video raises fresh concerns
Another video circulating on social media shows Mantashe asking a woman how she will pay him back now that he has campaigned for her to become a councillor. Mtintso says it is clearly his voice.
Age is no excuse for his conduct
The ANC Women's League has publicly called for Mantashe to apologise and face organisational disciplinary action. The league made clear that his age cannot be used as an excuse for conduct that undermines women's dignity.
The ANC must demonstrate its commitment
The ANC has long proclaimed its commitment to building a non-sexist society. That commitment must apply to its leaders as much as to ordinary members, and it cannot tolerate conduct that undermines women's dignity.
Mantashe must be held accountable
Mantashe must apologise to South Africans and undergo training on the impact of patriarchy on women. The ANC cannot be seen tolerating this behaviour from any cadre, especially those in leadership.
The short version
ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe used crude language to dismiss allegations that municipal councillors were demanding sexual favours from women for jobs, prompting calls for his apology and disciplinary action.
