The African National Congress (ANC), in December 2018, appointed a Grievance Panel chaired by National Executive Committee member, Cde Sdumo Dlamini, Thoko Didiza and two representatives from headquarters, to hear allegations against its National Spokesperson, Cde Pule Mabe.

The allegations were made by a member of staff in his department. The grievances included human resource and management issues, as well as allegations of sexual harassment.

The grievance panel, with the agreement of the two parties, followed a two-pronged approach on the grievance issues raised.

The panel on 12-13 December 2018 engaged in a mediation process, without prejudice, with the parties. The parties to the grievance reached agreement on all human resource issues and signed a mediation agreement to this effect. The parties did not reach agreement on the allegation of sexual harassment and the matter was referred for a formal grievance hearing.

The formal grievance hearing on the allegations of sexual harassment was held on 15-16 January 2019. Both parties were given opportunity to present heads of argument, to call witnesses, to cross examine witnesses, and to present closing arguments before the Grievance Panel, on the allegation of sexual harassment.

The panel concluded the hearing, and made the following recommendations to Officials:
a)    The ANC should within three months adopt a sexual harassment policy, and do training for all its management and staff in offices throughout the country on this policy.
b)    Address the human resource issues raised during the grievance procedure, and ensure the complainant’s reintegration as an employee of the ANC.

c)    The panel found that there was no evidence of sexual harassment, and that the matter be closed.

d)    The privacy of staff and manager’s bedrooms at meetings must be respected, and where meetings are to be held or work to be done, arrangements should be made for such to take place in meeting rooms or public spaces.

The Officials considered the report of the Grievance Panel and accepted the findings and recommendations of the panel.

The two employees will therefore report for duties at headquarters this week.

 

Issued by The ANC