Department Of Women urges ANC to investigate accusations against Spokesperson Pule Mabe with haste
The Department in the Presidency responsible for Women urges structures within the ANC to fast track the investigation into allegations of sexual harassment carried out by Mr Mabe.
The department is saddened that men in positions of authority continue to use their positions to coerce women into engaging in inappropriate activities. Recent accusations by the personal assistant of Mr Mabe join a long list of grievances by women in workplace environments that are meant to be professional and ethical spaces of work.
The department reflects on recent cases of sexual harassment being uncovered at law firms, in the education sector, within NGOs, by the Commission on Sexual Harassment at the SABC, as well as numerous ‘sex for jobs’ investigations.
“It is clear that unequal power relations between men and women in the workplace lead to situations in which men solicit sexual favours in exchange for career advancement. Businesses and organisations need to review their sexual harassment policies and ensure that perpetrators of sexual abuse, workplace victimisation, and bullying are dealt with,” said Minister Dlamini.
Organisations committed to gender equality need to ensure that all allegations of sexual misconduct are investigated thoroughly while guarding against victim blaming and secondary victimisation. The department calls all women to speak out on all forms of gender based violence.
Enquiries:
Shalen Gajadhar
Cell: 0723592470
Email: shalen.gajadhar@women.gov.za
