More than a third of Kaya FM employees who participated in a workplace survey in 2020 said they did not feel safe from sexual harassment at the station, according to a leaked investigation report.
The findings are contained in a report compiled by lawyer Brenda Madumise, who was appointed by Thebe Investment Corporation, the then-owner of Kaya FM, to investigate allegations of sexual harassment and financial misconduct against the station’s former managing director, Greg Maloka.
According to the report, 35% of the 81 employees who participated in sexual harassment training on 27 February 2020 said they did not feel safe at Kaya FM’s offices or events.
“The Sexual Harassment Training held on the 27th of February 2020 had surveys run during each group to ascertain what people understood regarding sexual harassment. A question was posed on safety as follows: ‘Do you feel safe at Kaya offices and Kaya events from Sexual Harassment?’ Thirty-five percent of the 81 respondents said that they did not feel safe,” the report states.
The report, which was leaked to Africa Daily, resurfaced after Maloka was rehired as a business partner at United Stations, the company responsible for selling advertising for Kaya FM.
It notes that the gender breakdown of employees who attended the training was not disclosed.
The report further reveals that Thebe conducted an internal employee survey in October 2019 after acknowledging shortcomings in how sexual harassment was addressed within the workplace.
According to the report, the company recognised the need for professionals to clarify what constitutes sexual harassment, particularly for male employees, saying there were “grey areas” that required greater awareness and understanding.
The report also refers to briefing notes submitted by Maloka under the heading Professional Discrimination of Female Staff. In those notes, Maloka argued that the authors were making assumptions on behalf of all female employees by concluding that women were reluctant to report incidents due to fears of victimisation.
According to the report, Maloka maintained that female employees had been encouraged at several formal meetings to raise any concerns directly with his office or that of the company’s chairman.
Maloka resigned from Kaya FM in 2020 while the investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and financial misconduct against him was still underway.
Despite his resignation, Madumise completed her investigation and made adverse findings against him.
In her report, she found that at least six female employees had come forward with allegations that they had experienced sexual harassment by Maloka, including unwanted comments, hugs, kisses, massages and whispers in their ears.
Madumise said the allegations were supported by interviews and written statements provided by the complainants.
She concluded that Maloka had a case to answer.
“The conduct of Greg, in relation to sexual harassment is in contravention with Section 6(1) of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998. The conduct of Greg as MD has exposed Kaya FM to the risk of litigation and reputational damage.
“The allegation of professional discrimination against female staff who did not reciprocate sexual advances is substantiated. The allegation that at least six female staff experienced sexual harassment is substantiated,” she concluded.
Responding to questions, Kaya FM acting managing executive Dave Tiltmann said the station takes the safety, dignity and wellbeing of its employees seriously.
“Where concerns are raised, they are dealt with through the appropriate internal channels and in line with our policies and applicable law. We remain committed to maintaining a professional, respectful and safe working environment for all staff, partners and stakeholders,” he said.
