by Thinus Ferreira
A senior executive at South Africa's public broadcaster is being investigated after he has been accused by trade unions of sexual harassment.
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) and the Broadcasting, Electronic, Media & Allied Workers Union (Bemawu) have sent a letter to the SABC board accusing the senior level SABC executive of ongoing sexual harassment, the Sunday World newspaper reported.
According to Aubrey Tshabalala, CWU general-secretary, the SABC board was told about the sexual harassment allegations in May 2023 and that former SABC CEO Madoda Mxakwe ordered Thamsanqa Zikode, SABC chief audit executive, to launch an investigation into the allegations.
According to Aubrey Tshabalala, Manno Bopape, a SABC human resources executive, then allegedly threatened and intimidated the alleged sexually abused and sexually harassed victims.
"It is custom as per the SABC policies that the alleged perpetrators should be immediately suspended pending investigation and it should not be different in this instance as this is a very serious allegation, especially given the influential position that (SABC exec) holds," the CWU and Bemawu letter states.
"We cannot allow for preferential treatment to play itself out just because the alleged offender is a senior in the company. We urge the board to also investigate the male/female ratio of people appointed by the executive's department, as it appears to be in favour of females as opposed to males."
"Lastly, we suggest for the board to conduct a climate survey and a reporting line for sexual harassment at the SABC. We pray for the board to move with the necessary speed concerning this very difficult task and journey and confirm our commitment to work with the board in a zest to turn the SABC around and restore its credibility."
Mmoni Seapolelo, SABC spokesperson, says "The SABC views sexual harassment in a serious light and will use its internal policies and procedures to deal with any reported allegations related to it".
