Question NW1922 to the Minister of Social Development
26 June 2018 - NW1922
Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)What (a) is the total number of incidents of sexual harassment that were reported to the human resources offices of (i) her department and (ii) entities reporting to her in (aa) 2016 and (bb) 2017 and (b) are the details of each incident that took place; (2) was each incident investigated; if not, why not in each case; if so, what were the outcomes of the investigation in each case?
Reply:
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT:
1(a)(i) There was one case of alleged sexual harassment reported in 2016/ 2017 financial year.
1(b) Allegations were levelled against an SMS member making remarks against an official’s dress code.
2 Investigations were conducted by an internal and external investigators who both gave reports to the effect that the allegations were unsubstantiated.
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY:
Both 1 and 2 are not applicable
SOUTH AFRICAN SOCIAL SECURITY AGENCY:
1. (aa) 2016 - There was one (1) case reported within SASSA. It was alleged that an official hugged, kissed and touched the buttocks of a cleaner without her consent.
(bb) 2017- There was one (1) case reported within SASSA. An official allegedly placed his hand on an official’s private part without her consent and further made comments with sexual overtones about the official’s body and hairstyle.
2. 2016 - The incident was investigated by a team of two investigating officers who discovered inconsistencies in the statement of the complainant. No wrong-doing was established against the alleged perpetrator.
2017 - The incident was investigated. The outcome of the investigation resulted in the perpetrator being charged and found guilty on the above stated charges.
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Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….