Top job for 'sex pest' envoy
2006-11-10 07:13
Polokwane - South Africa's former ambassador to Indonesia, Norman Mashabane, who still has charges of sexual harassment pending against him, is to start work next week as political adviser to Limpopo Premier Sello Moloto.
The premier's office has confirmed the new appointment, endings weeks of speculation and denials. It said Mashabane will begin work next Monday.
His wife Maite Nkoana-Mashabane is the MEC for housing and local government in Limpopo.
In an internal inquiry held by the department of foreign affairs in 2004, Mashabane was found guilty of 22 counts of sexual harassment of embassy employees.
He was alleged to have stroked employees' buttocks, molested a worker in a lift and made lewd movements with his tongue.
His appeal against the findings was upheld by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, and he left the department only after his contract had expired at the end of 2004.
The DA leader in Limpopo, Michael Holford, said it was outrageous that Moloto had appointed Mashabane.
"His appointment is a slap in the face for the women of Limpopo, whose rights the local government is trying to promote," Holford said.