Pule Mabe to return to work after internal ANC panel clears him of sexual assault

After an ANC grievance panel appointed to probe sexual harassment allegations against ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe apparently found no evidence of it, he will be returning to work this week, the ruling party said in a statement on Monday afternoon.

The panel, chaired by Sdumo Dlamini, Thoko Didiza and two other representatives from the ANC’s headquarters, met on Sunday to provide recommendations on the sexual harassment claims that faced Mabe.

He was accused by his former personal assistant of three instances of sexual harassment, which the panel found lacked evidence.

The grievance included human resource and management issues as well as sexual harassment. The panel has recommended that the ANC should adopt a sexual harassment policy within three months. They should also do training for all management and staff in offices throughout the country on the policy.

• They found that the privacy of staff and manager’s bedrooms at meetings was to be respected at all times and arrangements should be made for meetings to take place in meeting rooms or public spaces.
• The party was instructed to address the complainant’s grievances and reintegrate her as an employee of the ANC.
• They would also address the human resource issues raised during the grievance procedure, and ensure the complainant’s reintegration as an employee of the ANC.

The panel has closed the matter.

The statement, by acting spokesperson Zizi Kodwa, gave further detail on how there had been a mediation process in mid-December between the parties. They apparently reached agreement on all human resource issues and signed a mediation agreement to this effect.

“The parties did not reach agreement on the allegation of sexual harassment and the matter was referred for a formal grievance hearing,” said the statement.

“The formal grievance hearing on the allegations of sexual harassment was held on 15-16 January 2019. Both parties were given opportunity to present heads of argument, to call witnesses, to cross-examine witnesses, and to present closing arguments before the Grievance Panel, on the allegation of sexual harassment.”

It added that both employees would report for duties at headquarters, Luthuli House, this week.

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