Gender groups demand action after Mantashe’s ‘sex-for-jobs’ remarks

ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe sparked outrage after using the isiXhosa term “isibumbu” to dismiss allegations that municipal councillors were demanding sexual favours from women in exchange for jobs. He characterized the allegations as an individual matter rather than an ANC issue. Gender advocacy groups and activists called for disciplinary action, while linguistic experts said there was nothing wrong with using anatomical terms in isiXhosa. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said Mantashe had apologised and the matter was closed after a National Working Committee meeting; former ANC deputy secretary Thenjiwe Mtintso said an apology was not enough.