The Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) has suspended its international coordinator for alleged fraud and sexual harassment, its electronic newsletter said on Wednesday.
The services of the coordinator, Nigerian Onos Jude Imhanwa, were suspended following an internal disciplinary hearing related to two counts each of fraud and sexual harassment.
”We actually suspended Imhanwa about two months ago, and the case has now been referred to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration,” said TAC women’s health programme co-ordinator, Nonkosi Khumalo.
She said the organisation had not decided on pressing criminal charges yet, but was considering doing so.
Khumalo said Imhanwa was only employed in January this year, after doing a three month volunteer stint last year.
”He was conversant with TAC ideals and had good contacts,” she said.
The sexual harassment allegations related to him allegedly touching and kissing women at the TAC’s national office in Muizenberg, outside Cape Town which caused them to feel ”uncomfortable”.
The fraud, amounting to about R22 447 related to him asking for a commission from agencies that offered audio and venues services to the TAC, without disclosing the money or the money returning to the TAC.
Khumalo said subsequent to Imhanwa’s suspension, international donors informed the organisation that he was trying to solicit funds from them. He is also alleged to have issued defamatory e-mails about the TAC members.
”We are sending a strong message that the TAC upholds the principles of honest financial accountability and respect for women. We will take disciplinary action against any employee, executive member or volunteer who breaches these principles,” said Khumalo. – Sapa