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The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) condemns the management of UNICA Iron and Steel, for defending an alleged sexual pervert in the workplace. UNICA is a steel manufacturing company based in Babelegi in Tshwane. Our members are frustrated because of the Human Resources manager named Thulani Mfusi is allegedly sexually harassing women. It is alleged that Thulani Mfusi has touched female workers inappropriately and that he consistently makes unwanted, sexually suggestive comments. He makes workers deeply uncomfortable, and there are allegations that he has exposed some of them to sexually explicit, pornographic material while at work. NUMSA is demanding his immediate removal pending an independent investigation, however, UNICA is refusing to remove him.

UNICA management does not seem to be taking this situation seriously. In their written correspondence with the union, the UNICA management acknowledges that Mfusi has a case to answer in respect of sexual harassment, because they say that there, “are allegations of sexual harassment to be tested before a disciplinary enquiry”. And therefore they are planning to discipline him.

But in spite of this acknowledgment of wrong doing, they do not think his vile behaviour justifies his immediate suspension pending the outcome of a disciplinary enquiry. What is even more disturbing, is that management seems to be preparing to cleanse him through this process, because they also say, “the alleged victims indicated that the desired outcome would be an apology from Mfusi and he refrains from passing undesired comments, and that he must be issued with a warning”.

This statement is deeply concerning because it creates the impression that they have a pre-determined outcome for the disciplinary hearing which is about to take place. Their own wording suggests that Thulani Mfusi will simply get a written warning, which is effectively a slap on the wrist for his shocking behaviour!

NUMSA is disgusted by UNICA management because they have shown a flagrant disregard for the well-being of workers who are exposed to Mfusi’s revolting behaviour on a daily basis. The man is viewed as a menace by many women but management will not take strong action against him. NUMSA has obtained sworn statements from other witnesses about Mfusi’s behaviour but we cannot in good conscience hand that information over to management, when they are refusing to remove Mfusi, and, when they have suggested that they are preparing to let him off the hook.

As HR manager, Mfusi is able to influence witnesses and he can contaminate the process. He has the power to interfere in the investigation. His presence has the impact of intimidating other witnesses from coming forward. The message that UNICA management is sending is that they are shameless defenders of possible sexual abuse and their priority is not to ensure that the workplace is free of intimidation for all employees, including female workers.

Among the demands that we have made is that the disciplinary hearing must be conducted and chaired by the CCMA.

The anger against this man has reached a boiling point to the extent that our members are preparing to go on a strike, to have him removed from the workplace. There are many issues which workers have raised against Thulani Mfusi because they say he behaves like an enforcer on behalf of UNICA management, which brutalizes workers.

The union has referred a dispute to the CCMA on the 30th of November so that we can get a certificate and shut down production. We are also mobilizing members for a possible picket to expose this company for their refusal to protect vulnerable women in the workplace. 

Issued by Jerry Morulane