The ANC has taken exception to remarks about Home Affairs Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula by Young Communist League (YCL) spokesman Castro Ngobese, and came to her defence yesterday.

The ANC has taken exception to remarks about Home Affairs Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula by Young Communist League (YCL) spokesman Castro Ngobese, and came to her defence yesterday.

The ANC considered Ngobese's reported description of Mapisa- Nqakula as "a decoration", "inept" and "heartless" to be unfounded and ill-considered, ANC spokesman Smuts Ngonyama said.

"The ANC acknowledges the right, indeed the duty, of all groupings within society to express themselves on the performance of public representatives and government officials," he said.

"However, in this instance, not only do the YCL's comments lack substance, but they are abusive and insulting."

The ANC was also concerned at the sexist and demeaning tone of some of the statements attributed to Ngobese.

The ruling party suggested a disturbing absence of gender sensitivity from an organisation that was supposed to be a leading force for the emancipation of women.

Ngonyama said since taking up her current position, Mapisa- Nqakula had worked with commitment and determination to address the very substantial challenges within the Department of Home Affairs. - Sapa