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ANC mum on fate of pastor after harassment claim

SILENT: Pastor Nonqaba Mosunkutu, who claimed Bob Mabaso sexually harassed her, has chosen to keep quiet. Pic. Len Kumalo. 12/01/2004. © Sowetan.
SILENT: Pastor Nonqaba Mosunkutu, who claimed Bob Mabaso sexually harassed her, has chosen to keep quiet. Pic. Len Kumalo. 12/01/2004. © Sowetan.

Simon Nare

Simon Nare

There is still no word from the ANC on the future of pastor Nonqaba Mosunkutu after the organisation threw out her claims of sexual harassment against former social development MEC Bob Mabaso.

The allegations could cost the government about R1million after the Gauteng Social Development Department was ordered to pay salaries retrospectively for employees who were fired after Mabaso resigned after the allegations last year.

Gauteng ANC spokesman Hope Papo was yesterday not available to comment.

The Commission of Conciliation, Arbitration and Mediation last week ruled that the dismissal of five employees was unconstitutional.

It further ordered that the employees be either reinstated or deployed elsewhere.

Departmental spokesman Fred Mokoko was not available for comment yesterday.

Mabaso last year stepped down from his position after Mosunkutu claimed he sexually harassed her.

The Mabasos and Mosunkutus are known to be family friends.

Mosunkutu has refused to speak to the press about the allegations. Even after Mabaso was cleared of the allegations, she has not come forward with her side of the story.

At the time, Mabaso said: "I took a difficult decision to step down as a member of the Gauteng executive council and as a member of the provincial legislature. I also decided to step down as provincial chairman of the South African Communist Party.

"In light of the seriousness of the allegations, I took the decision to step down so as not to bring the Gauteng Provincial Government, the ANC and the SACP into disrepute.

"I wish to repeat that I chose to step down and not to resign because I was certain of my innocence and had hoped I would be cleared soon."

Mabaso said the saga culminated in a very difficult period for his family, relatives, friends and neighbours.

"My children went through a humiliating and painful period at school. Our neighbours and relatives also suffered. These allegations have dented my standing [which took years to build] in the community.

"After my stepping down, a case of sexual harassment and attempted rape was opened against me," he said.

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