LADISMITH NEWS - An employee of the Kannaland Municipality has come forward with serious allegations of sexual harassment and victimisation, implicating a senior official of the municipality.
According to the complainant she has been employed in the office of the senior official since March 2024.
The identities of the parties involved are known to Oudshoorn Courant but are withheld on legal advice.
She claims that she has faced relentless verbal sexual advances from the senior official since April 2024. Despite her clear rejections, she alleges that the harassment escalated into workplace victimisation after she formally lodged a grievance on 13 December 2024.
The complainant states that after reporting the harassment, she has been subjected to several unfair labour practices such as financial abuse and office relocations.
"I report for duty every day, but I do not know what to expect because I feel I am being targeted."
Despite a council-approved sexual harassment policy, the municipality has allegedly failed to follow proper grievance procedures.
The complainant has since declared a dispute and referred the matter to the South African Government Bargaining Council (SAGBLC) for mediation and arbitration. However, she describes the process as slow, inconsistent and frustrating.
According to her, her health has deteriorated, and have been placed on medication. She is also receiving counselling sessions.
The complainant has not personally notified MEC Anton Bredell or filed criminal charges against the senior official, because she hoped that the charges would be settled quickly by the municipality.
According to Donson, no one is allowed to comment on internal investigations or matters.
According to Wouter Kriel, the MEC's liaison officer, the minister received sexual harassment allegations against an official.
"This was brought to the attention of the minister on 4 February. It should be noted that an investigation is not being conducted by the Office of the MEC for Local Government as there are mechanisms that the complainant may exercise with the support of her Trade Union, such as pursuing internal remedies, referring the matter to the Bargaining Council, reporting such allegations to SAPS and/or exercise the provisions of the Protection from Harassment Act, 17 of 2011."
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