News24 reports that the woman who has accused ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe of sexual harassment has denied that being unable to attend his hearing this week was proof that she had cold feet over her claims.  

She apparently informed the ANC this week that she was not available to appear at the second sitting of a commission into the sexual harassment claims she levelled against Mabe in December 2018.  Mabe, who had been meeting with community members and campaigning in KwaZulu-Natal, ahead of the ANC's election manifesto launch on Saturday, confirmed to journalists that the second sitting of his hearing had been postponed at the request of the complainant.  He reiterated his commitment to a speedy resolution, insisting he was ready to plead his case to the committee.  However, the complainant said the meeting date was communicated to her late and she already had family commitments.  "It's not true that I've chickened out, because had I chickened out I would not have reported the matter to the police," the former PA pointed out.

• Read the original report by Tshidi Madia in full at News24
• Read too, Mabe says he is ready for findings following sexual harassment hearing, at Mail & Guardian

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page