By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Parliament’s joint ethics committee has confirmed it will be investigating a sexual assault complaint against the Deputy Health Sibongiseni Dhlomo.
Dhlomo is accused of harassing a parliamentary staff member last month.
The complainant claims Dhlomo had invited him to his official residence in Cape Town to discuss a National Health Bill.
He says, instead, the deputy minister made sexual overtures to him.
Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo confirmed that the assault complaint was received.
“I can confirm that the Speaker of Parliament received a complaint from the complainant,” said Mothapo.
Bekizwe Nkosi, the co-chairperson of the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests, said the work of the committee is guided by the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members.
“Interest for Assembly and Permanent Council Members, especially clause 10.2.2, which sets out a process the committee must follow in processing a complaint. Furthermore, clause 10.2.1 enjoins the committee to deal with any complaint guided by the principles of promptness, fairness, and consistency. The committee decided to consider the matter through establishing a subcommittee that will sit early in November to hear the matter,” said Nkosi.
Sexual relations or scandals involving South African politicians is not a rare phenomenon, in the past some honourable members accused of the misconduct include former Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba, who had extramarital affairs.