Slew of sexual harassment cases rock Tshwane metro

Williams signed the pledge as part of the observance of the start of 16 Days of activism for no violence against women and children campaign.

Tshwane metro has received 12 cases of sexual harassment in the last five years, according to mayoral spokesperson Jordan Griffiths.

Griffiths said 10 of the cases “were acted open and closed”.

“One has been referred to CCMA and in the remaining one, an investigation has just been finalised and report sent to our legal department,” he said.

“We are facing one reported complaint and the city manager’s office is in the process of investigating and handling the complaint of sexual harassment against a senior manager.”

He said the mayor’s office had received a memorandum from the ANC’s women caucus and would be responded to in line with the metro’s processes.

“In terms of the metro’s sexual harassment policy, the time frame to investigate and dispose of the complaint is three months.

“Disciplinary action against senior employees and direct reportees to the city manager are instituted in terms of the disciplinary code for senior employees,” he said.

On Monday last week, the ANC’s women caucus picketed outside the Tshwane House, the metro headquarters, calling on the mayor to put an end to sexual harassment.

It was alleged that during a council meeting on 27 November, one female councillor indicated that a senior Tshwane manager had sexually harassed another female employee which led to a case being opened.

South African Municipal Workers Union regional Secretary Mpho Tladinyane said noting the seriousness of the allegation and the position of power occupied by the senior employee, the metro could not ignore the allegations.

“It is unfortunate that these allegations are raised or happen during the 16 Days of activism and at a time when the country is fighting the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide.”

The ANC’s women’s caucus spokesperson Rebbeca Morundu said the allegations had come at the time that the country was grappling with the scourge of GBV which was engulfing women and children.

“We want to urge the mayor to ensure that this matter is treated with the urgency it deserves and with the utmost sensitivity to the plight of the victim.

“We want to see action being taken speedily, without fear or favour, regardless of who the senior manager is.”

Morundu said since the senior manager was appointed as a result of a council resolution, she demanded that a special council be convened as the suspension of the manager needed to be dealt with as a matter of urgency.

“All disciplinary matters should be dealt with urgently.”