Department of Water and Sanitation faces scrutiny over sexual harassment cases
DWS appeared before CGE in an accountability session, held in Cape Town on Monday.
Image: Supplied
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has come under fire for its handling of sexual harassment policies in the workplace.
The Commission for Gender Equality delivered a stern talking to DWS on Monday, particularly in light of two recent sexual harassment cases reported in the last 24 months.
The Department of Water and Sanitation appeared before CGE in an accountability session, held in Cape Town on Monday, where they intended to provide a clear account of progress made on its previous commitments to advancing gender equality and transformation in the workplace - specifically, focusing on addressing concerns surround sexual harassment.
Image: Supplied
In the Western Cape, an intern in the provincial office lodged a complaint with her managers regarding allegations of sexual harassment involving a Senior Manager in the Office.
On September 28 2023, the investigating officer submitted a report and recommendation was that the matter be brought before a disciplinary hearing.
The alleged perpetrator was found not guilty of three charges relating to misconduct following a disciplinary hearing between January 2024 and April 2024.
In the Gauteng Provincial Office, an employee of the Department of Education, alleged acts of sexual harassment by an official of the DWS, was investigated and disciplinary action was decided.
During the disciplinary process, the official attempted to make contact with witnesses and was placed on precautionary suspension. He challenged the suspension through a formal dispute, as being unfair, and the Commissioner ruled in his favour and he has since been reinstated with an ongoing disciplinary hearing.
CGE CEO, Dr Dennis Matotoka, questioned the outcome: "I'm reading your investigative report, where your senior manager is accused of sexual harassment, and there's an outcome that says he is not found guilty, but there are serious concessions that he has made in the investigative report, which, in my view, already indicates an abuse of power."
CGE Provincial Manager, Mpelo Malebye, also cited that the sexual harassment policy was severely outdated.
Malebye said they were dissatisfied with the DWS’s inputs, and will reconvene and strategise on a possible way forward.
Matotoka added: “The understanding is that we had focused largely on sexual harassment in the workplace and this is premised on the idea or principle that says it remains a barrier for the achievement of equity in the workplace."
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