South Africa, a young 30-year-old “rainbow nation”, has made strides in addressing racism, but has not managed to wipe out this scourge born out of white supremacy.
*Amahle Mhlongo, a 37-year-old woman from Durban describes herself as mild mannered, but with an explosive temper. Lately, her family has been on the receiving end of her lashing out due to work stress, she told IOL.
“I am given significantly more work than anyone else on my team. I get it done and don’t complain but the work keeps coming,” she said. I am the only black woman in that particular group, I believe this is why I am being targeted”
Mhlongo added the nation-wide company she is employed at has discrimination and toxicity built into its very fabric, as she experienced something similar in another branch.
“I am excluded from many work events. I am barely spoken to unless its to critique work that I was given last minute to do or barked at to do more. Yet, others do not even turn in the work in time but they are not reprimanded.
“It is racism. He (the manager) does not have to call me the ‘K’ word for me to know that he hates me. I keep looking for other jobs but things are looking bleak.”
As a result, the scientist has had her mental health take a knock. Mhlongo said she cries in her car before her shift starts and at times, she gets panic attacks.
She is always in a bad mood, no longer finding joy in things she once loved. “I have to find a new job. I cannot take no more of this bullying and abuse,” she added.
Mhlongo has documented her treatment by her manager and colleagues in emails, recorded calls and more.
She said she is arming herself if her manager finds a way to get her fired or if she would need to go to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
“My boss has made my life a living hell. I am defenceless. I fear my accusation with be found to have no merit because they would never want to be branded as racist.”
During the month of October, IOL will be carrying stories highlighting the prevalence of bullying, delving into its underlying causes, identifying what bullying looks like, and suggesting courses of action and avenues to seek help if you feel you are being bullied.
Bullying is a choice; choose better.
Join us as we at IOL say No To Bullying.
* No To Bullying is an IOL initiative. If you feel like you are being bullied, reach out to:
- Childline — 116
- Stop Gender Violence — 0800 150 150
- South African Depression and Anxiety Group — 0800 567 567
- Sonke Gender Justice — 0861 322 322
- Legal Aid — 011 877 2000
- South African Federation for Mental Health — 011 781 1852
*Not her real name. Changed for privacy.
IOL