The Office of the Director-General in the Eastern Cape has been following and noted with great concern the media articles on allegations of nepotism and sexual harassment in the provincial administration. These media articles have taken the leadership of Provincial Government by surprise as there is no record of such allegations having ever been reported to relevant state institutions or law enforcement agencies.
However, owing to the commitment of the Provincial Government to gender equality as well as the fight against the abuse of women and children in society, including the Public Service, the Director-General, as Head of the Provincial Administration has decided to institute an enquiry into these allegations.
Taking into account the seriousness of the allegations, the Director-General, with the support of the Premier and the Executive Council, has appointed a team of credible men and women within and outside of the Provincial Government to establish the extent and veracity of these allegations, and recommend appropriate course of action. Ms Ngaka Mosehana, the Head of Department: Safety & Liaison, will lead this team which comprises the following members:
a. Advocate Zoleka Fanana, (Office of the Premier);
b. Mrs Zolisa Loni, Department of Education;
c. Dr Sjekula Mbanga, (Department of Human Settlements); and
d. Reverend Canon Lulama Ntshingwa, (Religious Fraternity and Chairman of the Eastern Cape Men’s Sector)
This team will provide an opportunity for the affected employees to come forward to present and substantiate their allegations. This window of opportunity will begin on Tuesday, 17 June 2014 until Friday, 11 July 2014.
Affected employees may use the following contact details to bring relevant information to the attention of the team:
- Ms N Mosehana: Inquiry@otp.ecprov.gov.za / 076 293 7541 / 040 608 2141
- Adv Z Fanana : Inquiry@otp.ecprov.gov.za / 076 293 0256 / 043 604 6926
We take these extra-ordinary steps in order to ensure that, in the event that there are be employees who are victims of unethical behaviour and practices by other employees in the public service, government protects the right and dignity of such employees. In the same vain these measures are aimed at ensuring that should there be employees who perpetrate these unethical behaviour and practices are dealt with. The process is also intended to protect people who might be falsely accused. Both the alleged perpetrators and the alleged victims will not be victimised as a result of their participation in this process.
In addition to the internal communication sent to all employees of the provincial administration, we make this public call to all affected employees to make use of this opportunity. We further call upon all stakeholders and interested parties in the province to respect this process that is aimed at safeguarding the professionalism of the public service to ensure its effectiveness and responsiveness to the needs of the public it is meant to serve.
Enquiries:
Mandisa Titi, General Manager Provincial Communications
Cell: 060 742 9923
