Eastern Cape Education Officials Suspended After Harassment Claims

Two senior officials from the Eastern Cape Department of Education are now on precautionary suspension following allegations of workplace bullying and harassment. The move comes amid growing pressure from staff and unions to address misconduct in the department.

Velani Mbiza-Gola, the media liaison for MEC Fundile Gade, and Vuyiseka Mboxela, the department’s Director of Communications, are both suspended pending the outcome of an independent internal investigation.

The department’s spokesperson, Malibongwe Mtima, said leadership condemns any form of harassment, including assault or intimidation of colleagues during working hours.

“This follows a media report implicating the two officials in misconduct,” Mtima said. “The department will not tolerate harassment. An independent team has been appointed to investigate, and disciplinary action will follow based on their findings.”

Union Protests and Staff Outcry

The suspension comes after a formal complaint against Mbiza-Gola, who allegedly manhandled the provincial education communications office assistant director. The complaint sparked a protest at the department’s Zwelitsha headquarters, where the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) called for immediate action.

Mtima confirmed the department has engaged with the union and plans to run intensive training programs on the prevention of harassment in the public service. This includes addressing physical, sexual, discriminatory, psychological, and retaliatory harassment.

Response From Mboxela

In a public statement, Mboxela said she was being unfairly targeted and referenced a previous suspension in 2023, where she was not given a chance to defend herself. She also accused the department of spreading false claims against her, including allegations of sexual harassment and bullying.

“If the investigation is sincere, it must also examine the treatment of interns, sexual misconduct across sections, abuse of power, and the vilification of junior officials who resist unlawful instructions,” Mboxela said.

The situation has stirred widespread debate on social media, with many calling for transparency and accountability in the Eastern Cape education system.

{Source: IOL}

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