Research associate at Wits University, Lisa Vetten, has testified that High Court secretary, Andiswa Mengo, used different strategies to communicate her reluctance and unwillingness to entertain the advances made by Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge.
Vetten is testifying before the judicial conduct tribunal in Sandton, which is investigating the s.e.xual harassment complaint Mengo laid against Mbenenge in 2023.
Vetten has told the tribunal that there were 47 conversations between the pair, with the judge president sending the junior staffer 526 messages on the social media platform, WhatsApp, while Mengo only sent the top judge 311 texts.
Andiswa Mengo
The gender expert is shedding light on gender and power dynamics in the workplace in the context of sexual harassment.
In January this year, Mengo – in her evidence in chief – testified that she was scared of saying no to the top judge’s sexual advances, given his seniority and influence.
Vetten looked at the pair’s WhatsApp messages and zoomed in on how Mengo responded to Mbenenge’s request.
“She used what I have characterised as deflection. She tried to turn the subject away from something else and start talking about something else. She used evasion, so she wouldn’t necessarily give a direct answer. She also used silence, just did not respond. She also used what I described as accommodation, where she would try to accommodate or engage with a request. And she also used active resistance, no.”
In other news – Gigi Lamayne pens heartfelt birthday tribute to Sizwe Alakine (Reason)
Rapper Gigi Lamayne left fans emotional after sharing a heartfelt message to her partner, fellow artist Sizwe Alakine (formerly known as Reason), in celebration of his 38th birthday.
The tribute, posted on social media, revealed the deep love and respect she holds for him. Gigi referred to Sizwe as her “best friend, protector, and greatest cheerleader.” Read More
