Western Cape Premier Alan Winde is accused of turning a blind eye to gender-based violence and sexual harassment in a scathing formal complaint submitted to the SA Commission for Gender Equality.

The complaint was submitted on Wednesday afternoon by the leader of the opposition in the Western Cape legislature, Khalid Sayed.

Approached for comment, Winde’s spokesperson, Regan Thaw, said they have no comment at this stage.

“I hereby lodge a formal complaint against Premier Alan Winde and the Western Cape Government for their [alleged] persistent and systemic failure to address gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual harassment within provincial and local government structures,” Sayed said in the complaint.

IOL has seen the complaint. 

“Despite repeated scandals, oversight interventions, and public commitments, the premier and his administration have failed to implement decisive and effective measures to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.

“Instead, responses have been characterised by delays, procedural excuses, and a lack of political will, leaving survivors vulnerable and governance weakened.”

Sayed cited five cases, which he said were “evidence of systemic failures”.

These included the sexual harassment case against transport and public works official Farrel Payne.

“In correspondence dated April 6, 2022, Premier Winde acknowledged allegations of sexual harassment against senior official Mr Payne,” Sayed said.

“He defended the decision not to suspend Payne on technical legal grounds, prioritising procedure over the safety of employees.”

Another case involved a cash flow analyst in the provincial treasury facing charges of sexual misconduct, who was not suspended.

“In a written reply, the minister [MEC] of finance admitted knowing of the case since 2019 but cited legality and constitutional rights as justification for inaction.

“The matter was merely ‘monitored’ through a watching brief, with no safeguards for staff.”

Sayed also referred to the scandal involving former MEC Albert Fritz, who was accused of sexual misconduct.

“An independent investigation by Adv Williams found credible evidence of sexual misconduct, alcohol abuse, and an environment conducive to harassment by then-provincial minister \[MEC] Albert Fritz.

“Despite this, Premier Winde refused to release the report to the Legislature, shielding political accountability.

“Promises of a transversal policy review and GBV clauses in the ministerial handbook remain largely unfulfilled.”

Sayed said the commission should investigate the conduct of Winde and the Western Cape Government, examine the handling of the cited “cases as evidence of systemic leadership failure”, and recommend urgent corrective measures, including the establishment of a dedicated Sexual Harassment and GBV unit within the department of the premier.

IOL News

Source link