It is “unacceptable” for anyone speaking on behalf of the ANC to swear to get their point across, ANC chairwoman Baleka Mbete said on Tuesday.
She was responding to questions about ANC Youth League spokesman Floyd Shivambu who reportedly said “f**k you” to a journalist who called him about a story.
“I totally disagree with any bad language being used by anybody who is communicating on behalf of any part of the ANC,” she said at a media briefing at Luthuli House.
“I think that’s regrettable, it’s not language to be used... I'm saying anybody expressing themselves in a way that’s swearing at anybody, it is unacceptable.
“You don't use language like that, you don't have to swear at people or be rude to people to make your point. You can make your point using decent language.”
Online reports earlier said that Media24 journalist Jacques Dommisse called Shivambu to speak to ANCYL president Julius Malema about a supposedly lavish three-day safari he took before the league's elective conference last month.
The report said the conversation “turned ugly”.
“I said f**k you,” said Shivambu, according to a transcript of the recorded conversation.
Dommisse then asked if he was swearing at him, Shivambu replied “yes”.
“Why do you do that,” said Dommisse.
“Because you cannot force yourself to speak to people if they do not speak to you, what is your problem?” said Shibamvu.
“I do not have a problem,” said Dommisse.
“F***k you,” said Shivambu. Its not the first time the league spokesman landed in hot water over his allegedly foul mouth.
He is also accused of calling Independent Newspapers political reporter Carien du Plessis “stupid” and a “white b***h” via SMS. She has approached the Equality Court over the texts. - Sapa