Gauteng social development minister Bob Mabaso has resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment.
He said on Friday that he had informed the premier and speaker of the Gauteng legislature that he was stepping down as a member of the executive council, and as a member of the provincial legislature.
Mabaso has denied the allegation. ”I want to reiterate that I have not committed any act of sexual harassment, against anybody,” he said.
Mabaso said he resigned due to the seriousness the government attaches to gender struggles, fighting women abuse, and the creation of a new society. These are all values he subscribes to and upholds.
He said the move is in the best interest of the government and his family, and thanked Premier Mbhazima Shilowa for giving him the opportunity to serve the people of Gauteng.
Provincial African National Congress spokesperson Ignatius Jacobs did not want to give details on the allegation, but said it was made ”by a person in the Gauteng legislature”.
He said Shilowa and the ANC accepted Mabaso’s resignation on Thursday. The ANC will hold a disciplinary enquiry and hearing into the matter. Health minister Gwen Ramokgopa will reportedly oversee the post until it is filled.
The Democratic Alliance said it is pleased somebody else will be put in charge of the department, as Mabaso’s ”incompetent” tenure saw the slashing of budget to charitable institutions, the closure of old-age homes, and large-scale suffering.
”Indeed, we suspect these allegations have given Shilowa a convenient way of getting rid of Mabaso without having to admit to the massive failure of delivery by that department,” said DA provincial social development spokesperson Rika Kruger.
”It is a pity that we had to put up with this incompetence for so long. Premier Shilowa now has an opportunity to put things right. We hope he uses it well.” — Sapa