Following the incident at Topbet Germiston recently where women employees were allegedly strip-searched after a small amount of menstrual blood was found in the branch\u2019s bathroom, the company launched an internal investigation into the matter.<\/p>\n
The matter was investigated by an independent advocate and has now been concluded.<\/p>
Tshepo Sefotlhelo, from Vuma Reputation Management, told the GCN that the investigation confirmed that there had been a discrepancy in the recounting of the details concerning the incident, and how the search had been carried out on a larger number of female employees, and on a second smaller group of female employees.<\/p>\n
This resulted in serious consequences for those concerned and the company felt that to ignore this discrepancy would have been irresponsible due to the seriousness of the matter.<\/p>
\u201cThe purpose of the investigation was not to prove whether or not the incident took place, for which the company has apologised, as the incident took place without its knowledge.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was rather to ascertain exactly how the search of female employees was carried out in order that we may take the necessary action in respect of employees involved in the search and to implement steps to prevent an incident of this nature occurring again,\u201d said Sefotlhelo.<\/p>\n
\u201cQuite apart from this, and because the female employees are colleagues and work closely together, it was important that the issues be clarified and that an objective conclusion be reached for the sake of closure.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sefotlhelo added that the incident at the Germiston branch should never have happened and it goes against everything the company stands for.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy the same token, given the prevalence of gender-based violence that we have in South Africa, it is most unfortunate that some have seen this incident as an opportunity for self-gain,\u201d Sefotlhelo said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMuch as we have taken action against the manager who committed this act, action must be taken against employees who breach our code of conduct and procedures in accordance with the findings and recommendations in the advocate\u2019s report.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe company cannot divulge further details in this regard at this stage given that the matter is an internal employment-related matter.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since the incident the following steps have been taken:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Counselling for all employees at the branch.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Managers will be trained on how to better manage any future incidents with the necessary EQ and tact required.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Employees will undergo further health and safety training.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Employees will undergo culture diversity training which will include gender equality and sexual harassment training.<\/p>\n
\u2022 A meeting was held with the EFF after the incident broke, during which we engaged on a number of issues. Most resolutions agreed upon have been implemented, including the donation of a 100 boxes of sanitary pads to schools in Germiston.<\/p>\n
\u2022 The company has met with the Gender Equality Commission over the incident.<\/p>\n
Sefotlhelo added that since news of the incident broke, all Topbet staff have been negatively affected, particularly the women who were involved in the incident and who acted on the instructions of their manager.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne such employee and her family have been victimised and intimated by members of the public to the extent that she recently had to fetch her 11-year-old child from school, as he was being victimised by other learners,\u201d Sefotlhelo said.<\/p>\n
Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n