By Mzwandile Maila
On 25 March 2017, Community Healthcare Workers from various Clinics, including Dark City Clinic, Westonaria Central Clinic, Ekangala Clinic and Mogale City Clinic, participated in a workshop on sexual harassment, and particularly sexual harassment in the workplace. The workshop was held at the House of Movements, in downtown Johannesburg. The workshop was facilitated by CCMA Commissioner, Themba Hlatshwayo. Carers from all over Gauteng found the workshop very useful. With 90% of CHWs being women, they were familiar with the topic, and offered much of their experience in the discussions around what the labour law of South Africa states.
Sexual harassment in the workplace is prohibited under the labour laws of South Africa. The Code of Good Practice on the Handling of Sexual Harassment Cases in the Workplace defines sexual harassment as “unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that violates the rights of an employee and constitutes a barrier to equity in the workplace”. In terms of this Code, sexual harassment may include physical conduct, verbal conduct and non-verbal conduct.
