The municipal manager of Siyathemba Municipality, Thomas van Staden, has threatened to sue all his detractors after he was cleared of sexual harassment charges during an internal disciplinary hearing.
THE MUNICIPAL manager of Siyathemba Municipality, Thomas van Staden, has threatened to sue all his detractors after he was cleared of sexual harassment charges during an internal disciplinary hearing.
The charges were laid against him by his subordinates when he was employed at the Northern Cape Department of Education.
Van Staden stated earlier this week that he felt “vindicated” as he was also acquitted of the criminal charges against him in October.
The former chief director of human resource management at the Department of Education pointed out that the internal disciplinary hearing took three years to conclude.
“The internal disciplinary hearing started in 2021 and was concluded on November 12 this year. This is a complete vindication,” said Van Staden.
He appealed to everyone who had demanded his removal from the department, including Build One SA leader Mmusi Maimane and women’s rights groups, to “set the record straight”.
“Can all commentators please fight for the right cause if they believe in truth and justice. It is the turn of the non-governmental organisation Women Waging War Against Abuse to eat humble pie.”
Van Staden also warned the complainants who had accused him.
“The worst is yet to come for you. I am a firm believer in the justice system. The justice system will be the final arbiter – sooner rather than later.”
Northern Cape Department of Education spokesperson Geoffrey van der Merwe confirmed that Van Staden had been cleared of sexual harassment charges during the disciplinary process.
“The presiding officer, after having considered all the evidence, found the employee not guilty on all charges instituted against him,” said Van der Merwe.
He explained that various postponements were applied for by both the employer and employee which resulted in delays in finalising the process.
“This also included the unavailability of witnesses and parties conducting the hearing,” Van der Merwe noted.
