Senzo Mchunu on s.e.xual harassment allegations – I was cleared of any wrongdoing
Public Service and Administration Minister Senzo Mchunu says he will be pursuing “avenues in pursuit of redress” following allegations he made s.e.xual advances towards a former ANC employee in 2019.
Mchunu said in a statement to the publication that a grievance containing the allegations levelled against him was formally communicated to him by the Luthuli House Administration in August 2019 and he was afforded an opportunity to make his own representations.
“An investigation was thereafter conducted by an independent, competent individual, specifically appointed to attend to the matter and a report detailing the versions of both the complainant and I, as well as the findings from the investigation, cleared me of any wrongdoing,” said Mchunu.
The findings, which were accepted and signed off by him and the complainant, have never been challenged, he said.
“For the record, let me state unequivocally, that I vehemently denied all allegations in my submissions and still do – hence the findings which were made, as reflected in the report.
“I uphold the principles of ethical conduct and integrity at a very high standard – not only for others but for myself as well, and will be pursuing a number of avenues in pursuit of redress.”
EFF calls for removal
Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has called for Mchunu’s removal from office, questioning why there has not been any “evident action” taken against him.
“These allegations arose as a result of a sequence of unbecoming inappropriate, unethical, and violent s.e.xual advances made by the Minister towards a junior employee of the ruling party at their headquarters,” the party said in a statement.
“It must be noted that the Minister and the ruling party are aware of the contents of this case and confirm that the matter was closed. However, there has been no evident action which was taken on this matter against the Minister.
“We, therefore, call for the immediate removal of the Minister from the government as he does not have the moral responsibility, political obligation, and societal value to hold a public office.
“The minister has further demonstrated a great disregard of the dominant scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) in the country and serves to justify that both the ruling party and government are incapable of leading a society that is founded on gender justice, peace, and harmony amongst its people.”
-The Citizen
In other news – Shauwn Mkhize’s son Andile spoils girlfriend Sithelo with expensive gifts on Valentine’s Day – Photo
Love truly lives here. Valentine’s Day came and went, but we are still gushing over what our favorite celebs got on this special day.
The day is all about romantic gestures and lovebirds usually celebrate it by exchanging pricey gifts, taking some much-needed break somewhere remote and romantic, and by going out to treat themselves. Andile Mpisane is one of our faves who also went all out for his baby mama Sithelo Shozi on, as he decided to spoil her with a stunning timepiece. Learn More
