‘Sex pest’ gets a golden handshake

THE Film and Publication Board (FPB) opted to skip disciplinary processes and instead gave former chief executive Themba Wakashe a golden handshake to leave the state entity, much to the dismay of Communications Minister Ayanda Dlodlo.

Dlodlo said she was informed by the FPB board that Wakashe was offered a cash settlement because it would have been difficult for the organisation to prove its case against the former chief executive.

“The process was completed but no hearing was held.

“They paid the CEO and he has left the institution. I find it quite odd that entities would readily and easily pay off an individual who is alleged to be a sex pest… that the board would choose to withdraw the charges and actually write him a letter offering him good references in order for him to leave… to me, that is very problematic.”

She said she was yet to receive a report on the matter from the FPB and is yet to hear whether the sexual harassment charge had foundation.

“If you offer me good references in order to vacate the position, then the question arises as to whether you had a case against me in the first instance. You can imagine how many lives are ruined through such postures where people easily withdraw charges. I still need them to share their reasons (for their decision) to me because that just does not make any sense,” she said.

Wakashe faced over 200 charges including allegations of insubordination, sexual harassment of an employee and absconding from work. He was suspended last year and denied all allegations levelled against him.

FPB council member, Matome Ditlhake said Wakashe had 14 months outstanding on his contract and was paid that as a settlement. He would not say how much FPB paid Wakashe.

The employee who laid the sexual misconduct complaint would not testify against Wakashe, said Ditlhake. – ANA