Officials at the Department of Education have slammed the alleged sexual harassment of a junior employee.
Image: File picture
OFFICIALS at the Northern Cape Department of Education believe that a senior manager who allegedly made an inappropriate remark of a sexual nature to an employee is being protected despite abusing his powers.
Staff members stated that the director was under the impression that the employee was the author of an anonymous letter that was posted on social media. The letter criticised the “rot” within the department and officials were named and shamed for being “serial sex pests, perverts and thugs who were dealing in drugs and engaging in adulterous behaviour”.
It accused senior managers of reneging on offers of career promotions in exchange for sexual favours, whereupon the complainants would, in turn, open cases of sexual harassment against them.
According to staff, the manager in question made the remark to the complainant, asking her, “Het jy ook vir hulle stukke gegee?” (Did you also give them a piece of yourself?). They described the comment as “reckless and inappropriate,” especially coming from someone in a senior position.
“No action was taken against this official, who instead requested that she be suspended. She resorted to laying charges after he refused to apologise. Why are some officials suspended for sexual harassment allegations while others are protected?”
They added that the employee’s husband had recently suffered a stroke, and the false accusations had caused her emotional trauma.
“She was not offered any support and is employed in the same unit as the senior manager.”
Public Servants Association (PSA) provincial manager Steve Ledibane said a grievance of unfair discrimination and sexual harassment was laid against the director in October last year. However, no disciplinary action was taken, nor was any investigation launched.
“While perpetrators may claim they are joking, such remarks amount to sexual harassment in terms of labour policy. The comment was made towards a junior employee and is serious. All employees deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” he said.
Ledibane confirmed that the PSA intends to approach the Labour Court as the matter has not received the attention it deserves.
“The department has an obligation to ensure that employees - especially women - are able to work in a safe environment. At the very least, the director should have been temporarily transferred to another unit or suspended pending the outcome of the investigation,” he stated.
He further called for the appointment of an independent adjudicator to investigate the allegations.
Northern Cape Department of Education spokesperson Geoffrey van der Merwe confirmed they are aware of the allegations of unfair discrimination and sexual harassment made against a senior manager at the provincial office.
“At this stage, we have received grievances from both parties involved, and the department is in the process of securing an external mediator to handle the case. We take these allegations very seriously and are committed to ensuring that all proper procedures are followed,” he said.
He added that appropriate action would be taken once the investigation is finalised.