Question NW707 to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
11 June 2018 - NW707
Vos, Mr J to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Whether his department has a sexual harassment and assault policy in place; if not, (a) why not and (b) by what date will his department have such a policy in place; if so, (i) how are reports investigated and (ii) what are the details of the consequence management and sanctions stipulated by the policy; (2) (a) what is the total number of incidents of sexual harassment and assault that have been reported in his department (i) in each of the past three financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2017, (b) what number of cases were (i) opened and concluded, (ii) withdrawn and (iii) remain open based on the incidents and (c) what sanctions were issued for each person who was found to have been guilty?
Reply:
The department has the Sexual harassment & assault policy in place.
Sexual harassment allegations will be dealt with following procedures in terms of the DPSA Policy and Procedures on the Management of Sexual Harassment in the Public Service, 2013. The following corrective action shall be taken if after the investigation it is determined that the allegation of harassment is valid:
a) A formal written apology
b) Counselling
c) Change of work assignment
d) Suspension or discharge
(i) No sexual harassment incidents were reported in the Department for the past three financial years.
(ii) Since 1 April 2017 no cases were reported
(iii) No sanctions were issued.