The Public and Allied Workers Union of SA has filed a R2 million claim against a senior manager at the Northern Cape Department of Transport, Safety, and Liaison, following allegations of persistent sexual harassment.
THE PUBLIC and Allied Workers Union of South Africa (Pawusa) has filed a R2 million claim against a senior manager at the Northern Cape Department of Transport, Safety, and Liaison, following allegations of persistent sexual harassment.
Pawusa provincial organiser Nelson Mondela stated that despite repeated requests for the department to investigate the allegations and initiate disciplinary procedures, no action had been taken.
“The sexual harassment, which has been ongoing since 2022, has never been addressed,” said Mondela.
He added that their member, who was eight months pregnant, suffered a miscarriage last year.
“Although she has been placed on temporary incapacity leave since June, she continues to be victimised. Her salary was withdrawn this month and she was issued a written warning for failing to sign the attendance register.
“This is despite her submitting a medical certificate and consistently updating the department about her condition. She was admitted to the hospital last week and her pregnancy is classified as high risk.”
Mondela noted that recommendations to transfer the affected employee to another division have fallen on deaf ears.
“She will not be able to return to work as she is the manager’s secretary,” he added.
The employee stated that while she was afraid of reporting the alleged abuse and feared being victimised, she decided to speak out when she discovered that she was pregnant.
“I was not able to take the medication prescribed for depression, anxiety, psychological trauma and severe stress when I fell pregnant. I am not prepared to lose another child due to constant work stress caused by a power-hungry person who refuses to accept no for an answer. I will not leave my job that I worked so hard for, as I am the sole breadwinner,” she stated.
The woman reported being humiliated, bad-mouthed, blamed and unduly criticised for trivial matters after she rejected her manager’s alleged sexual advances.
“I was accused of being lazy and incompetent. I lost all self-confidence, cried myself to sleep and lost motivation to get out of bed in the morning.
“I have been referred to a psychiatrist as I was diagnosed with emotional burnout, severe stress and work-related anxiety.”
She further stated that she was prevented from opening a criminal case against the manager, as she was advised that he had not physically accosted her.
Northern Cape Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison spokesperson Rennie Andrias stated that the department does not comment on internal disciplinary processes.
“The department remains committed to creating a conducive environment where all our employees can thrive and deliver quality services to the public and internal clients,” said Andrias.
