Calls for ANC minister ‘to be removed’ over sexual assault allegations
Public Services Minister Senzo Mchunu is facing calls to step down from his position, after he was accused of sexual assault against a younger female colleague. The allegations, first made two years ago, were apparently ‘brushed aside’ by the ANC – but more details have since come to light about the supposed incident.
What Senzo Mchunu is accused of
Paperwork obtained by the Daily News Group revealed a chain of events that saw the victim lose her job for reporting the alleged inappropriate conduct – and details her account of the ‘ordeal’ she suffered in 2019:
- – A female employee at Luthuli House detailed how Mchunu allegedly made sexual advances that she rejected.
- – She lost her job as head of political organising shortly after this.
- – Mchunu allegedly kissed the woman on the lips without her consent, and physically touched her chest at the same time.
- – The alleged victim then accused Mchunu of ‘gender abuse’, for firing her verbally at a meeting.
- – However, Mchunu told Human Resources that HE was the one receiving ‘awkward text messages’ from her.
- – A formal investigation was carried out, and the findings were disclosed. The matter was then kept quiet.
- – The female employee said she followed official channels, but was ‘failed’ by senior female colleagues.
EFF hammer minister over ‘sexual harassment’ claims
It was business as usual for Senzo Mchunu on Monday, as he chaired a departmental meeting via Zoom. However, the EFF weren’t ready to let this story slide. The Red Berets issued a stinging statement earlier this afternoon, imploring the president to remove the Cabinet member from his position. According to the party, Mchunu has shown ‘disregard for GBV.’
“The EFF notes recent reports on the allegations against Minister of Public Services, Senzo Mchunu. There has been no evident action taken against him, and it’s a shame that the ANC Women’s League continues to subject young members to dangerous political heads who abuse their power.”
“We therefore call for the immediate removal of the Minister from the government as he does not have the moral responsibility to run a public office. Mchunu has shown a great disregard for GBV in this country, and we are confident the ruling party will only remain silent about these developments [if not asked to do something].”
EFF Calls For The Immediate Removal Of Senzo Mchunu As A Minister On Allegations Of Sexual Harassment pic.twitter.com/QkGePAOLMd
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) February 15, 2021
