Mantashe says he was misquoted following backlash over 'lazy youth' remarks
Mantashe came under fire following a television interview in which he said youth unemployment is partly caused by laziness.
ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe speaking at the party’s fifth National General Council (NGC) at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg on 9 December 2025. Picture: Sphamandla Dlamini/EWN
After facing backlash over comments suggesting that unemployed young people are lazy to apply for jobs, African National Congress (ANC) national chairperson Gwede Mantashe said he was misquoted.
Mantashe came under fire following a television interview in which he said youth unemployment is partly caused by laziness.
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ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula said he has spoken to Mantashe about the comments, after which Mantashe maintained that his remarks were misquoted.
Mbalula has also called on Mantashe to publicly clarify his statements.
"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," said Mbalula.