Sex pests get marching orders

2008-07-04 20:03

Tshwarelo eseng Mogakane

Polokwane - Some 28 sex pests within the Limpopo Education Department have been dismissed for sexually harassing their female colleagues.

Department spokesperson Ndo Mangala said an audit was done in January 2007 and found that there were 45 sexual harassment cases reported between 1996 and 2007.

"For a number of years there have been numerous calls on the department to strengthen support to employees and improve service delivery," said Mangala.

"The department has indeed taken such calls seriously and, amongst its many initiatives undertaken, it prioritised discipline within the workplace."

Mangala said a 151 cases of misconduct ranging from sexual harassment, financial embezzlement, fraud, insubordination and absenteeism were reported to the department in the 11-year period.

He said that out of 45 sexual harassment cases, 28 employees were found guilty and dismissed.

He said 39 cases of financial embezzlement and fraud were reported and 30 were found guilty.

"Nineteen of them were either given written warnings, or told to change work stations. They were also requested to refund the embezzled funds," said Mangala.

He said another 11 who were found guilty were tried and dismissed.

- African Eye