Gwede Mantashe Defends ANC’s 32-Year Record but South Africans Question Government’s Progress
- African National Congress National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe pushed back against critics who say the ANC has done nothing
- The Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources noted that the ANC-led government invested in the development of children
- South Africans responded sharply on social media, raising concerns about youth unemployment as well as corruption
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Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
EASTERN CAPE — African National Congress National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe defended the party's track record, arguing that critics overlook three decades of state investment in child development and education.
Speaking at an event in the Eastern Cape on 18 September 2026, the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources outlined what he described as a cradle-to-campus pipeline of support.
He cited the child support grant, no-fee schools and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) as evidence that the government has systematically backed children from birth through to university graduation, regardless of their family's financial circumstances.
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"We in the ANC believe in the theory that every child has the right to develop to their full potential, irrespective of the economic status of the family," Mantashe said.
He also pointed to the demographic transformation of formerly whites-only universities, framing it as proof that the party had delivered on its post-apartheid educational mandate. Mantashe directed his remarks squarely at political detractors, arguing they "conveniently ignore" the scale of the state's social investment over the past 32 years. His position was that the ANC's record on human development should form the baseline of any fair assessment of its governance.
How did South Africans react?
The speech, shared on X by Mantashe himself, drew a swift and largely critical response.
@Wi97491Jonathan wrote:
"Stop talking nonsense. The ANC is keeping the African child illiterate, reducing their brain capacity to a 30% pass rate, never to be able to compete with the international world."
@tsh33601 raised concerns about the fiscal cost of state failure, noting:
"Mr Mantashe, it is estimated that 20-30% of South Africans are extremely poor. 40% are moderately needy or in need, meaning we cannot afford to have a corrupt government because corruption delays development."
@QBomvu43334 challenged the terms of the debate entirely:
"After 32 years, the measure of government cannot simply be what it distributed. It has to be what kind of country it built."
@TumiN56597 acknowledged some progress but added:
"Tata, acknowledge the progress, but don't use it to escape accountability. After 32 years, South Africans deserve results, not excuses."
@SauerErnest was more direct:
"That is expected of you Gwedz. Do you want a medal for using our tax money to do your job?"
Gwede Mantashe says citizens must look for work
Briefly News reported that Gwede Mantashe urged South Africans to be more proactive in seeking employment.
The Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources said he never waited around for the government to give him a job.
South Africans weighed in on Mantashe's comments, expressing frustration with him for seemingly blaming citizens.
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Source: Briefly News
