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The office of Deputy President Paul Mashatile says it has taken action against his spokesperson, Vukani Mde, who has been accused of sexual harassment by a co-worker.
The office was responding to Sunday World that Mashatile and his chief of staff, Mduduzi Mbada, were guilty of delaying action on a sexual harassment complaint against Mde for several months.
According to the story, a senior woman staffer in the office filed a complaint against Mde in August 2023, alleging inappropriate behaviour. However, Mashatile and Mbada failed to take initial action until an independent investigator was appointed later in the year.
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The article further alleged that the investigator found prima facie evidence [sufficient evidence to proceed to trial] of sexual harassment and recommended Mde's immediate suspension for a disciplinary hearing. However, the hearing has not yet been scheduled, leading to accusations of delay and political manoeuvring from some staff members. While Mashatile's office says it has acted against him, over the weekend, Mde was believed to be still carrying out his duties alongside the deputy president in KwaZulu-Natal.
Mashatile's office rebutted accusations of protecting Mde.
It stated that a letter of intention to suspend Mde was issued and delivered to him.
The statement read:
"The deputy president condemns any form of gender-based violence, especially against women, and also believes that all employees should be protected from any kind of victimisation."
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Mashatile's office assured the public that the matter was receiving due attention, and an update would be provided in due course.
