ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe has moved to contain fallout after facing fierce backlash over comments suggesting unemployed young people are “lazy” when it comes to applying for jobs.
The remarks, made during a television interview, sparked outrage across the political spectrum and reignited debate over youth unemployment in South Africa.
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Mantashe Claims Remarks Were Taken Out of Context
Mantashe came under fire after stating that youth unemployment is partly driven by laziness — comments that quickly drew condemnation from within his own party.
Following the backlash, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said he had spoken directly to Mantashe, who insisted that his words had been misquoted.
Mbalula stressed that the issue could not be brushed aside and called on Mantashe to address the matter publicly.
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“That matter is not a joking matter. It’s a serious matter and must be clarified properly. If comrade Gwede was not properly quoted, he must get to the media in the coming week and clarify himself,” Mbalula said.
ANC Youth League Slams ‘Detached’ Comments
ANC Youth League president Collen Malatji also weighed in, echoing Mbalula’s concerns and criticising the comments in strong terms.
He described the remarks as “irresponsible” and said they were “detached from reality”, particularly given the scale of unemployment facing young people across the country.
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Mbalula’s remarks came during his keynote address ahead of the ANC’s January 8 Statement, scheduled to be delivered on Saturday.
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