The Mercury reports that the Office of the Premier in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has been rocked by allegations of gender-based violence after the most senior civil service staff member in that office suddenly quit her post, allegedly after she was threatened by a male staffer.

The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on the Office of the Premier, Mbali Frazer, has written to Premier Thami Ntuli demanding an explanation regarding the resignation of Director-General Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize, who resigned suddenly this week. Frazer said it was alleged that Mkhize quit after allegedly being subjected to verbal abuse and threatening conduct by a senior male staff member in that office.

The Premier's office acknowledged Dr Mkhize's resignation a few days ago but did not give a reason for her resignation.

Frazer said in a statement: “It is alleged that a youth manager in the Office of the Premier threatened to physically harm the first and longest-serving female Director-General, Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize. Her crime was refusing to sign off on an appointment letter related to the R100 million Youth Fund.” According to Fraser, on 4 June there was a heated meeting between the DG and the official when Mkhize was allegedly threatened and the police were called. Mkhize subsequently resigned. “The DG ended up tendering her resignation, which was not her plan, due to fear for her safety and life. Her resignation was tendered due to the severe nature of threats, as well as the emotional and psychological trauma,” Frazer’s letter claims.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Thami Magubane at The Mercury
• Read too, KZN official trying to attack ex-DG in R100m fund squabble ‘restrained’ by guards, at News24 (subscription / trial registration required)
• And also, EFF calls for Premier Ntuli to address gender-based violence allegations in his office, at The Mercury

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