The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is facing a storm of controversy as serious allegations of sexual misconduct and a toxic work environment involving its CEO, Thabo Mashongoane, have come to light.
Chief financial officer Lebogang Matlala has accused Mashongoane of kissing her without her consent after a work meeting at a Johannesburg restaurant in August last year. This incident prompted Matlala to file a sexual harassment complaint, setting off a chain of events that has left her feeling deeply betrayed and disillusioned.
Matlala's initial complaint was met with promises of a thorough investigation by the MQA board. However, despite assurances that the matter would be taken seriously, the investigation dragged on for over a year, leaving Matlala in the dark about its progress. She claims to have received no feedback for months, despite repeated inquiries about the investigation's status.
In September 2023, Matlala was informed that a task team had been appointed to investigate the sexual harassment case and to address the strained relationship between her and the CEO. However, the task team's findings were deeply troubling.
They concluded that there were discrepancies between Matlala's account and Mashongoane's response, and that Matlala was being influenced by external forces. This conclusion, Matlala claims, implies that she lacks the capacity to think for herself and undermines the validity of her claims.
Feeling deeply wronged and facing what she describes as a "witch-hunt" by the CEO, Matlala filed a second grievance in June 2024, alleging victimisation and a hostile work environment. She accused Mashongoane of using his position of power to intimidate and humiliate her, both in public and in private.
Matlala paints a picture of a workplace where she is constantly under attack for daring to speak out against the CEO's alleged misconduct.
She claims that Mashongoane has used every opportunity to ridicule and degrade her in front of colleagues, and that he even attempted to have her fired while she was in hospital receiving treatment for the emotional distress caused by the events.
Matlala's second grievance paints a harrowing picture of a workplace where a culture of fear and intimidation appears to have taken root. She describes feeling unsafe and fearing for her life, pleading with the board to intervene and ensure that her workplace is free from harassment and abuse of power.
The MQA board has a responsibility to ensure a safe and respectful work environment for all its employees. The allegations against Mashongoane, if proven, represent a serious breach of trust and a failure to uphold the principles of ethical conduct.
The board's response to these allegations will be closely watched as a test of its commitment to creating a workplace free from harassment and intimidation.
Mashongoane has yet to respond to requests for comment on the allegations.
