CGE probes workplace culture at Gauteng legislature amid harassment concerns

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) held an accountability session with the Gauteng legislature as part of an investigation into whether its workplace policies and systems adequately promote gender equality and protect employees from harassment and abuse.

CGE CEO Dennis Matotoka said the commission wanted to assess whether the legislature’s policies and mechanisms were being effectively implemented, particularly in dealing with complaints raised by staff.

He said a workplace survey conducted by the commission had raised concerns about the working environment within the legislature.

“We have conducted a survey in the workplace and we have learnt that a lot of the staff are raising concerns about the working environment; that it is a toxic working environment,” he said.

Matotoka said the accountability session was also intended to test whether existing reporting mechanisms would allow employees to safely raise concerns and have them properly addressed.

“When there are complaints that need to be addressed, there are no processes that are there for them to be properly reported. So we wanted to hold this accountability session to test whether this system will work so that we create this enabling environment,” he said.

He said while the commission had identified several concerns, the issue was whether there were concrete plans to address matters raised by staff.

The investigation began on September 17 with an assessment of the administrative environment within the secretariat of the Gauteng legislature.

The CGE is examining institutional systems, workplace practices and the dynamics within the legislature’s administration.

As part of the investigation, the speaker of the legislature appeared before the CGE to provide information on the legislature’s policies, practices and mechanisms aimed at promoting gender equality and ensuring a safe and dignified workplace.

“Our position is zero tolerance for harassment, bullying and sexual harassment, applying equally to every member, every political office bearer and every employee, without exception. It applies wherever it occurs: in the workplace, or in any other space within the province,” said Morakane Mosupyoe, speaker of the legislature.

Acting CGE chairperson Mfundo Nomvungo said the commission expected public institutions, particularly legislative bodies, to demonstrate leadership in implementing policies that promote equality and safety in the workplace.

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