The staff of the Bongani Regional Hospital have grievances and questions for the Free State Department of Health and MEC regarding three sexual harassment cases against a senior manager.
It is alleged that he sexually assaulted three health workers, one of whom has since resigned.
Vista
understands that the two remaining staff members are so traumatised by their horrific experiences that they receive counselling.
The senior manager in question was found guilty of sexual harassment and was dismissed by the hospital.
An informed source has, however, told Vistathat the perpetrator has made an appeal to come back to work. If he does return to work, it will place him in close proximity to the victims on a daily basis.
The hospital staff are accusing the health department and the MEC of not following the right procedures, and shielding the perpetrator by entertaining his appeal to return to work.
Sources have revealed that the chief executive officer (CEO) of the hospital fought the case by initiating charges against the perpetrator. Instead she was served with a notice of suspension for charges against her that were dropped in 2018.
One of the victims did lay charges at the Welkom Police Station, but nothing was done.
“The silence from the department and the MEC has left us, the staff, with questions and concerns.
“We are concerned that more female staff will become victims of sexual harassment, should the MEC not act as is expected of her. She is too quiet and we wonder if her decision will align with the GBV policy in the health department,” the informed source told Vista.
Despite numerous attempts Vistacould not get a comment from the MEC or the department of health before going to press.
The perpetrator is a member of the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa).
