EFF STATEMENT ON ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL HARRASMENT AGAINST ANC
MAYOR OF MOLEMOLE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY EDWARD PAYA.
Wednesday, 01 March 2023.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Limpopo calls on the ANC Mayor of
Molemole Local Municipality Edward Paya, to step down from his position
following damning allegations of sexual harassment against him.
This comes at the time when the province is facing an unprecedented and
alarming levels of Gender Based Violence (GBV). At this point in time, sexual
offences increased to 21.3%, with rape increasing by 20.6% in which 1 198
people were raped as compared to 993 that were raped during the same
quarter of the previous year.
It is alleged that the victim who was employed by the municipality in 2021 was
lured by the mayor to have sex with him, for her to get a salary increase,
however she refused. The EFF has learnt with dismay that the victim who has
since fled the province, is now living in fear in a hiding place. What is more
disturbing is that a case of sexual harassment under CAS: 437/2/2023, has
been opened but the police are dragging their feet in investigation this matter.
In ensuring that Paya face the consequences, the EFF ground forces descended
on the Molemole Municipal building on Tuesday, 28 February 2023, but in
defence of wrongdoing the municipal authorities denied our members access
to register their frustrations.
Paya’s conduct is a contributing factor to GBV statistics, and he should not be
allowed to continue occupying public office with a cloud of shame and gross
sexual misconduct hanging over his head. The sexual predator of a mayor takes
advantage of job seekers by bartering sex for jobs.
The EFF strongly condemns the sexual misconduct and the abuse of public
office by the mayor and further demand full accountability. The EFF calls on
the police to act swiftly and arrest Paya as he remains a danger to the victim
and the society at large. Sexual offenders belong in jail, and he too must be a
permanent residence there.
We note with concern that Paya through his lawyers, sent a letter of demands
asking the victim to withdraw the charges against him, so it is on this basis that
we believe that the safety of the victim is under threat, therefore as a matter
of urgency, Paya must be apprehended.
Lastly, we urge workers and job seekers to be vigilant and aware of ANC
perverts who are well trained experts in shenanigans related to jobs-for-sex,
jobs-for-sale, nepotism, and corruption in all spheres of government. It is clear
that our people will not receive service delivery because the mayor is obsessed
with immoral sexual activities.
