Sexual Harassment Charge not met with serious by Offender

Cheryllyn Dudley MP – ACDP

Thursday, 27 June 2002


Cheryllyn Dudley MP for the African Christian Democratic who had laid charges of sexual harassment against Mr Solo MP last week said today after a response from Mr Solo in Parliament yesterday, “I went into the House yesterday afternoon with the intention of accepting an apology from Mr Solo. I unfortunately heard no apology addressed to myself, and the general apology to the House sounded more like excuses to me than an apology, but I accepted it anyway as I am sure this matter is now as tedious for everyone else as it has been for me.”

In a letter today, Mrs Dudley thanked the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, the ANC Whips and other Members of Parliament who took this matter seriously and gave of their time to apply their minds to how such incidences should be dealt with.

Mrs Dudley said, “This experience started off as offensive and unfortunately even with all the support I had from all parties was humiliating and unpleasant, and although I can think of no better way to handle such a situation, I feel Mr Solo was able to make light of it and the repercussions are unlikely to dissuade other from such behaviour. My reason for having pursued this matter was in the hope that in future Mr Solo and others would think twice before speaking to anyone in this manner again.”



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For further comment please call Cheryllyn Dudley MP at 082 890 6520 or ACDP Media Liaison Liza Bloemetje at 082 478 1037