The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Eastern Cape says the reinstatement of Bandile Maqetuka as the regional manager for the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is a slap in the face of women who are victims of sexual harassment in the workplace.
Maqetuka, who was initially suspended in 2021, was found guilty on nine out of 13 charges of sexual harassment and was dismissed in 2023 following a disciplinary hearing. Later, Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe reportedly intervened in Maqetuka’s case so that he could be reinstated.
EFF SLAMS REINSTATEMENT OF EASTERN CAPE SASSA BOSS ACCUSED OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT
In a statement, the EFF said Maqetuka’s return to this critical position, allegedly facilitated by ex-minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu, is not only unjust but also a “gross betrayal of justice, fairness and accountability”.
“We further condemn the former and current ministers of Social Development, who have failed to uphold women’s rights in the workplace.
“Minister Sisisi Tolashe, who also serves as the ANC Women’s League president, has chosen to prioritise the protection of perpetrators over the protection of victims. This shameful conduct exposes the ANC’s hollow commitment to women and its inability to take decisive action against those who violate women in the workplace,” the party said.
PARTY CALLS FOR DECISION TO BE REVERSED
The Red Berets said South Africa had one of the highest rates of gender-based violence in the world. It is also estimated that less than 10% of sexual harassment cases are reported due to fear of retaliation, victimisation, and the mistrust in the justice system.
“Decisions like these reinforce these fears, emboldening perpetrators and silencing victims. It is unacceptable that a man who was found guilty of multiple counts of sexual harassment is allowed to return to a space where he previously violated and harassed women,” the party said.
Further, the EFF has called for the immediate reversal of the decision to reinstate Maqetuka and that he be permanently removed from any position of authority within SASSA or any other government institution.
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