…accuses detractors of using women as tools for political gain

By: Abigail Visagie

As South Africa marks the end of Women’s Month today, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality’s (MMM) general manager of communications, Qondile Khedama has found himself battling to salvage his image and integrity after being accused of sexual harassment by a junior colleague.

Various reports this week have alleged that the metro’s spokesperson suspended a female employee after she rejected his romantic advances. Khedama has since poured cold water on the accusations, insisting that he merely took disciplinary measures towards an insubordinate member of his team.

Meanwhile, Mangaung City Manager Sello More confirmed that the matter had been brought to the municipality’s attention in the form of a grievance. In line with due process, the municipality did not pre-judge it as a formal sexual harassment case, but addressed it in accordance with its internal protocols and prevailing labour legislation.

He revealed that the matter was neither negotiated nor settled outside the metro’s formal structures, but has instead been dealt with under the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC) Main Collective Agreement.

Clause 13.1.1 of the agreement provides that the grievance procedure is deemed a condition of service to both employer and employee.

“A grievance hearing was convened on 22 July 2025, with all relevant parties present, including representatives of the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU).

“After hearing the matter and reviewing submissions, no evidence was presented to substantiate claims of sexual harassment against Mr Khedama.

“Accordingly, no findings were made against him, and the matter was concluded at the grievance level,” More stated.

Speaking exclusively to Journal News on Friday, Khedama vehemently denied ever making sexual advances towards the staff member in question or anyone else, subsequently dismissing the allegations as a calculated attempt to tarnish his integrity by those “using women as tools for political gain”.

“People need to distinguish between work policies and politics. Politicians should play politics and not use women as their tools for political gains,” Khedama said.

“It is painful to face such a serious allegation simply because somebody believes you are blocking them from potential monetary benefits. I don’t issue tenders or participate in any procurement processes,” he added

When pressed to reveal who could possibly be plotting against him, Khedama insisted that the matter had been adequately dealt with procedurally and that he preferred to put it to rest.

He further claims to have not been unaware of any further developments since rolled out disciplinary measures against the employee in question.

“I (only) learned about the employee’s suspension later, because the line manager deals with these matters.”

In contrast to recent media reports, SAMWU’s regional secretary Lucky Sebego clarified that the union had only received a letter of intent to suspend the employee.

“To that effect, the union has responded to the letter, which is why our member (the alleged victim) remains at work. No formal complaint or grievance regarding sexual harassment has ever come to our attention,” said Sebego.

Journal News reached out to the alleged victim, but she had not responded at the time of publishing this article.