Cape Town – The Office of the Deputy President has responded to an article published by the Sunday World on February 18, alleging that Deputy President Paul Mashatile and his Chief of Staff, Mduduzi Mbada, are protecting Deputy President’s spokesperson, Vukani Mde, in a sexual harassment complaint.
The report claims that a senior female staffer accused Mde of making unwarranted sexual advances last August.
“The matter is treated hush hush, but they seem to be protecting Vukani (Mde) by all means, while the victim suffers in silence because she is scared of these powerful men as they play political games with her wellbeing and livelihood.
“She still has to work with the same people, including the perpetrator, and no one is doing anything about creating a conducive working environment for the victim, who has to work to feed her family,” the report quoted an informant close to the developments as saying.
But in a statement, the office of the Deputy President denied the accusation, saying that they are not shielding Mde.
“The Chief of Staff has briefed the Deputy President that a letter of intention to suspend Mr Mde, in light of the allegations against him, was issued and hand-delivered to the spokesperson, Mr Vukani Mde.
“The Deputy President is aware that there is a process underway in the Presidency to investigate the allegations made against Mde by one of the senior employees in the office, and is of the view that all due processes should be adhered to,” the statement read.
It added: “The Office of the Deputy President wishes to assure that this matter is given the necessary attention it deserves and will provide an update in due course.”
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
