Mayor slams harassment shenanigans
There is no place within the municipality for male staff who harass their female colleagues.
eTHEKWINI Mayor, James Nxumalo has instructed City Manager Sibusiso Sithole to “leave no stone unturned” in his investigation into alleged harassment of female employees by male staff, specifically in the metro police unit.
Nxumalo said he had noted with some concernt media reports detailing the alleged deplorable harassment of female employees by their male colleagues in the municipality, particularly Metr Police. “As we celebrate 20 years of freedom, we denounce all violation of human rights,” he said.
Nxumalo said Sithole’s investigation would bring all perpetrators to book. “Anyone found guilty of the alleged offences, does not belong in our Municipality,” he said.
“We had requested the City Manager to finalise interventions to improve operations at Metro Police, to whose members these disturbing allegations are mostly directed. Recently, some Metro Police Captains attended a training session provided by the US Embassy and facilitated by retired New York Police Department (NYPD) Commander, Mr Willie Pannell, who provided insights into ensuring an effective Metro Police Unit. This is an ongoing programme and I hope it will make a good contribution to our Unit. The Municipality is working very hard to become Africa’s most caring and liveable city and will not be deterred by abhorrent shenanigans of some individuals, even if they are from within our ranks,” he said.
He said the leadership of eThekwini condemned all forms of human rights abuses, in the municipality and the community at large. “The Bill of Rights protects all South Africans and guarantees us equality, human dignity and freedom and security of the person. Young women working for the municipality must never be subjected to any form of violation. As the municipality, we strive for an environment where women are empowered to succeed in their different careers and social activities,” he said.
