SANParks CEO Fired Following GBV Findings

After a 10-month disciplinary hearing SANParks CEO, Fundisile Mketeni has been found guilty on 6 charges of assault and sexual assault, and dismissed. The charges had been brought against him at the Skukuza Police Station, Kruger National Park, last May, and he subsequently took “special leave”.

According to Mketeni’s accuser, he tried to touch her inappropriately, attempted to kiss her, and assaulted her for allegedly refusing his advances. It is alleged that Mketeni was joined by two colleagues who also participated in the assault. (They are still awaiting the outcome of their disciplinary processes.)

SANParks appointed independent lawyers to conduct an internal disciplinary hearing.

Mketeni was found guilty of sexual harassment, assault, abusive language, a failure to report someone missing in dangerous circumstances and a failure to report the incident to his superiors in a timeous fashion.

In their findings, the lawyers said Mketeni has embarrassed and damaged the name of SANParks, both in the media and with its stakeholders; and that the relationship of trust between the Employer and Employee has been broken and that summary dismissal was the appropriate sanction.

“It is about time that men in high positions be held accountable and that they assist to root out the disease of GBV. Women are not their subjects – they are equal to men and should be respected as such,” said Annerie Weber, DA Member of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee for Environment, Fisheries and Forestry.

“The DA condemns the behaviour of Mr Mketeni and congratulates SANParks on dealing with the very serious issue of GBV in the workplace.”

The young woman in the case was also commended for standing up and not giving up.