Workplace Harassment
latest news & developments
In closing arguments, lawyer for judge Selby Mbenenge’s accuser says evidence clearly showed sexual harassment
Advocate Nasreen Rajab-Budlender said the case will probably determine whether other women with legitimate claims will come forward, but the tribunal chair disagreed
Non-disclosure agreements can’t silence workplace harassment
South African laws protect victims, rendering many such clauses unenforceable, underlining that employers must ensure safe workplaces, not hide misconduct
Judiciary adopts sexual harassment policy to curb abuse of power
The policy prohibits consensual sexual intimacy in court buildings and discourages romantic relationships between members of the judiciary
Mbenenge says flirtatious texts with his accuser were sensual, not sexual
The Eastern Cape judge president denied sending nude photos and argued that text message exchanges with his accuser, Andiswa Mengo, reflected mutual interest, not harassment
Expert says power imbalances shaped Mengo’s response to alleged sexual harassment by judge
Gender-based violence specialist Lisa Vetten tells a tribunal the complainant used ‘different strategies to communicate reluctance and unwillingness’
Mbenenge tribunal postponed as lawyers argue relevance of gender expert
A dispute over gender expert Lisa Vetten’s testimony in judicial misconduct has forced the tribunal to postpone, allowing the respondent time to study the evidence summary report
Urgent need for clear policy on sexual harassment in legal sector
An independent, rigorous process for investigating complaints of abuse of power of a sexual nature must be set up to provide guidance for tribunal investigations
Use the workplace to stop socially embedded violence
The judicial system alone and appealing to miscreants has not stopped attacks on women