News24 | Mabuyane places Eastern Cape government department head on leave amid sexual harassment allegations

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane said he had placed the HOD on leave while an appointed panel probed the allegations. (Lulama Zenzile/Netwerk24)

• The head of an Eastern Cape government department has been placed on leave pending an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment made by a former female colleague.
• Premier Oscar Mabuyane announced the leave and appointed a panel to investigate the allegations.
• Mabuyane urged anyone who has experienced sexual abuse or harassment in the workplace to report it to the appointed panel and the police to ensure justice is served.

The head of an Eastern Cape government department, who is accused of sexual harassment, has been placed on leave pending investigation.

Premier Oscar Mabuyane announced on Friday that he had placed the HOD on leave while an appointed panel probed the allegations.

The government official, whom News24 has elected not to name, is accused of making sexual advances on a former female colleague.

The woman had been employed in an administrative support function at the department from 1 July 2019 until 30 May 2021. She claims she was forced to resign due to the sexual harassment she faced allegedly at the hands of her boss.

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Mabuyane said he had taken note of the seriousness of the allegations, as well as the position held by the official, and had considered options available to him in line with the applicable public service prescripts.

"I am convinced that placing him on leave will best serve the provincial government," he said.

"Additionally, I have appointed prominent persons to constitute an investigating panel that will take a deep dive into these matters..."

The panel of investigators would include Petros Majola, Pamela Tshwete and Yvonne Badi.

Mabuyane called on anyone who had experienced sexual abuse and/or harassment in the workplace to use the panel that had been appointed.

"I also call on anyone who has experienced this kind of abuse to report the matter to the police for investigation, ensuring perpetrators face justice," he added.