The company, which did not respond to The New Age’s request for comment earlier, said in a statement: “On becoming aware of the allegations, we immediately initiated an investigation into the matter that is being led by an external expert. We are also providing ongoing support to the affected individuals and broader staff.”
It said Primedia took the allegations seriously and had placed the accused individual on special leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
“We cannot prejudge the outcome of the investigation, but we have taken swift action to ensure that it is managed quickly and decisively.”
Anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee was among those who has reacted to the allegations.

“I salute the victim of alleged sexual harassment that approached me two weeks ago about a senior executive at a media house. Your @DontLookAwayZA stance is commendable. I encourage other victims to also speak-up,” he tweeted.

Abramjeee, who refused to comment, further tweeted that a second victim had come forward and one woman had claimed that she had reported the abuse last year but her bosses failed to act.

Meanwhile, the Gauteng South African Human Rights Commission (HRC) yesterday held an investigative hearing to address a complaint received from a Unisa staff member on December 11 regarding allegations of racial tension and harassment in the College of Law.

The hearing will investigate issues relating to allegations of racism, sexism and harassment at the College of Law.
The SAHRC said after careful assessment of the complaint, the HRC found that the issues alluded to fell within its jurisdiction as there was a prima facie violation of rights.
The commission said it wanted to provide a lasting resolution to the allegations of racism and harassment at the college.

Source: The New Age