Women’s rights activists refuse to be gagged over ‘sex pest’ pastor

WOMEN’S rights activists say silence is not an option after a pastor - described as a “sex pest” - allegedly made unwelcome sexual advances toward a 26-year-old volunteer with the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM), under the auspices of the Office of the Premier.

A criminal case was opened against the reverend, who is employed at the Office of the Premier and affiliated with the MRM, on April 5.

Activist organisations and a whistle-blower, who allegedly received death threats after questioning why the clergyman was being protected, claim there are efforts to suppress the disturbing allegations.

Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Molefi Shemane confirmed this week that the Kimberley SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit is investigating a case in which a 26-year-old woman was allegedly sexually assaulted by a man known to her between 2023 and 2024.

“No arrests have been made. The investigation continues,” Shemane said.

According to the complainant, the reverend groomed her over time in an attempt to initiate a sexual relationship.

She said he was seen as a father figure among the young women recruited in her group.

“He said he would pray for us and offered his support. We were misled into believing we could trust him as our Father in Christ. He would collect us and take us on youth outreaches, including programmes for victims of sexual abuse in Barkly West and Upington,” she explained.

She added that he had expressed concern about guarding his reputation as a religious leader.

“I have chosen to speak out against a person of influence because I know I am also speaking on behalf of others. I refuse to remain a victim.”

She further claimed that, after reporting the incident, concerted efforts were made to shield the alleged perpetrator.

“I was subjected to further victimisation despite being informed that similar complaints had previously been made against the reverend. I was promised that if I endured it, I would receive assistance for my business venture and a bursary to further my studies.”

Whistle-blower ‘threatened’ 

A whistle-blower said he received an anonymous phone call warning him that “you do not know who you are dealing with”.

“I told him to do whatever he wanted and not to hide behind a veil of secrecy. If I turn a blind eye, it is likely to happen again. This is apparently not the first time this man of the cloth has been accused of such behaviour. He was never suspended, and no disciplinary action was ever taken against him.”

The Moral Regeneration Movement confirmed that the matter had been referred to the Office of the Premier, as the religious leader is employed there.

Activists speak out 

The convener of Women Waging War Against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), abuse, inequality and poverty, Sephiwe Millicent George, wrote to the MRM and the Office of the Premier condemning the alleged “inappropriate, predatory and perverted sexual advances” made by the pastor toward the young volunteer.

She demanded a full investigation into the allegations and called for the necessary support to be provided to the young woman.

George pointed out that the incident went against the core values of the MRM, which include moral integrity, ethical leadership, and the spiritual revival of the nation.

“This behaviour is morally reprehensible. It is unacceptable that those who are meant to be shepherds of morality, faith and protection become the very predators we warn our daughters against. This cannot be ignored, swept under the carpet, or handled in hushed tones.”

The director of the Shaine Griqua Advice and Development Centre, Shaine Griqua, called for stronger protections for survivors of rape and sexual harassment in the workplace.

“Sexual harassment is a profound violation of human rights, dignity and safety. It leaves lasting scars on individuals, families and entire communities. Victims and survivors deserve to be heard and supported - not silenced or shamed. 

“No one should ever fear for their safety or dignity in their place of employment.”

EFF provincial leader Shadrack Tlhaole said he would be requesting more information from the Office of the Premier regarding the allegations.

“These are very serious allegations that need to be investigated,” he said.

Office of the Premier responds

The head of communication at the Office of the Premier, Monwabisi Nkompela, confirmed that the person in question was still employed there.

“There is no reason to remove him from his position. We have not received any formal charge or complaint against him. To our knowledge, no colleague in our office is facing criminal charges of this nature.”

He acknowledged that a letter dated April 3 had been sent to the provincial chairperson of the MRM from Women Waging War Against GBVF, making what he called “perilous allegations” against the employee.

Nkompela said the Office had yet to receive confirmation from the organisation on whether it was acting on behalf of the alleged victim or had advised her to lodge a formal complaint with the Office.

“Only then can the Office of the Premier formally act on the matter and initiate due processes.”

He added that the Office remained committed to fighting GBVF in society - particularly within government structures.

“We will leave no stone unturned in addressing incidents of such a serious nature,” Nkompela said.