Durban - The eThekwini Municipality has confirmed that it is investigating the circumstances around the allegation of “sex for jobs and promotions” levelled against the former head of human resources.
Allegations have emerged that a senior official was in sexual relationships with women employees.
The official who was approaching his retirement resigned abruptly when he was placed on suspension after five employees laid complaints against him.
The Sunday Tribune reported that City Integrity and Investigation Unit officials pounced on the alleged perpetrator’s office recently and found pornographic material, including porn DVDs, condoms, sexual enhancement pills and women’s underwear.
He was alleged to have used his power and influence to lure women to his office for sexual favours and later reward them with permanent employment or promotions, the source said.
Msawakhe Mayisela, spokesperson for the municipality, confirmed that the matter was being investigated but would not be drawn to comment on the extent of the investigation and whether it would include those who may have been employed or promoted due to the act of misconduct perpetrated by the manager in question.
When asked whether the investigation would include the women appointed by the accused manager, Mayisela said: “As stated before, this is an internal matter and we cannot divulge details of an internal investigation to a third party.”
Xolani Dube, SA Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) Regional Secretary, said they would allow the investigation to be completed before they raised their views on what should happen to the implicated workers.
“We accept that the investigation is underway and we don’t want to pre-empt the outcome of the investigation.
“If we comment prior to the outcome, then it will be all over the news and it would seem as if we are influencing the investigation. Once we see the outcome of the investigation, we can then make accurate comments, we do not take lightly that these are very serious allegations,” said Dube.
Queen Mbatha, deputy president of Independent Municipal Allied Trade Union (Imatu), said it was important to note that issues of sexual harassment don’t just end in the workplace and that the matter should be reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Mbatha said the fact that the alleged perpetrator has resigned, would discourage other possible victims who would want to come forward.
“The fact is that there is evidence. We would be happy if we hear he has been arrested, not suspended or resigned,” said Mbatha.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE