As the Eastern Cape grapples with allegations of a deep-rooted “sex for jobs” culture, political activist Anele Mda has called upon Premier Oscar Mabuyane to broaden the scope of the investigation to restore trust in the provincial government and ensure the safety of all employees.
This is as the Eastern Cape Provincial government is facing mounting scrutiny as allegations of a “sex for jobs” scandal come to the fore, prompting prominent political activist Anele Mda to pen a letter to the Premier.
The scandal, which has emerged in the wake of accusations against the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), underscores serious concerns regarding the integrity of government institutions and the safety of young women in the province.
On Tuesday, following the Premier's appointment of a three-member panel to investigate these troubling claims, Mda urged Mabuyane to extend the scope of the inquiry beyond just the DPWI.
In her correspondence, she highlighted the need for a thorough examination across various government departments, as allegations indicate a broader issue of sexual exploitation permeating the provincial government.
“I am writing to you on behalf of concerned citizens regarding the recent allegations of sexual exploitation within the Eastern Cape government, particularly, the disturbing phenomenon of 'sex for jobs' which has tarnished the image of your government,” Mda wrote. "These allegations have surfaced with grave implications for the integrity of our public institutions and the safety of young women.”
The charges centre around the Head of Department (HOD) of the DPWI, who is currently under scrutiny for reportedly abusing his positional power to exploit junior female employees.
While the HOD remains unnamed pending the investigation, sources suggest that he is involved in a pattern of sexual harassment and intimidation, creating a climate of fear among vulnerable staff.
Mda's call for action comes amid an opinion piece published on Y FM’s platform, voicing deep concerns over the handling of the investigation.
The piece draws attention to a chilling encounter in which a male official reportedly told an intern, “Today you are coming to sleep at my place, or I am coming to you.” This shocking account further reinforces accusations of a workplace environment rife with coercive sexual advances.
Despite the establishment of the investigative panel, Mda expressed her dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency surrounding the inquiry.
“While we acknowledge the appointment of a three-member panel to investigate these allegations, we find it deeply troubling that there has been no clear communication surrounding several critical aspects of this investigation,” she stated. “I strongly believe that the scope of this investigation needs to be widened beyond just one department.”
This evolving situation highlights a dark undercurrent within the Eastern Cape's public sector, reflecting a critical need for systemic change to protect the rights and dignity of women in the workplace.
Saturday Star