Premier Phumulo Masualle has confirmed he has received what is now known as the Msiwa report produced following an investigation into allegations of sex-for-jobs and jobs-for-pals at the provincial department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta).
Speaking on behalf of Masualle, Sizwe Kupelo said: “The premier has implemented corrective measures and some are progressively being implemented.”
The investigation was conducted by a four-member team led by Advocate Pretorius Msiwa of the Transkei Bar.
Recommendations in the report included that the then Cogta head of department Stanley Khanyile be charged for “neglect of his supervisory duties” after he failed to authorise payment of housing allowances between 2007 and 2014, as well as capped leave and regular pay grade increases.
The task team also recommended that Khanyile be investigated for his handling of a case involving a municipal employee under his command, who accused him of dating his wife while they were going through a divorce.
Other cases involved a woman who claimed she was raped more than 10 times by her boss over a period of seven years.
At least 38 Cogta employees confided to the task team voluntarily, with at least four of them alleging cases of sexual favours in return for a better post as well as one alleged rape.
The team found as a result of the alleged incidents of misuse of power by some senior managers as well as allegations of rape, and sexual harassment, the department’s wellness unit was so overworked during the period under review, that at least 80 employees asked for support.
Msiwa recommended the MEC take steps to re-establish an effective wellness unit, and address excessive sick leave.
“Considering the breakdown of trust and human relations with the department, there will be a need to embark on serious redress to correct and heal the rifts that existed before, during and after this investigation.”