Workplace Harassment: When You Feel Unsafe at Work

If you are in danger right now: leave the area and call SAPS on 10111, or 112 from a mobile. If the harassment is sexual or gender-based, the GBV Command Centre on 0800 428 428 can support you any time.

Work should be a place where you can earn a living without fear. If a manager, co-worker, client or contractor is threatening, touching, following or humiliating you, it is not your fault, and you do not have to put up with it.

What is happening

Harassment at work is unwanted behaviour that makes you feel unsafe, humiliated or scared. It can be sexual, racial or about gender, disability, religion or anything else. It can be words, messages, touching, threats, stalking or constant belittling.

In South Africa, the Code of Good Practice on the Prevention and Elimination of Harassment in the Workplace sets out what employers must do: have a policy, take complaints seriously, act quickly and protect the person who reports. If your employer does not act, harassment that is unfair discrimination can be referred to the CCMA, and there are time limits, so act early.

If the person threatens or follows you, you can also apply for a protection order at the magistrate's court under the Protection from Harassment Act. It is free and can cover people at work. Assault and sexual assault are crimes, and you can open a case with SAPS.

Signs to notice

• Someone touches you, makes sexual comments or sends unwanted messages.
• You are threatened, shouted at or humiliated in front of others.
• Someone follows you, waits for you or turns up where you are.
• You dread going to work or feel sick before shifts.
• You have been warned not to report it, or told it will cost you your job.
• It keeps happening, even after you asked them to stop.

30-second self-check

Answer yes or no. If you answer yes to the first question, stop here and get help now: call SAPS on 10111, or 112 from a mobile.

• Are you in danger at work or on your way home right now?
• Has the person touched you without consent or threatened violence?
• Has it happened more than once?
• Have you been threatened for speaking up?
• Is it affecting your sleep, health or ability to work?
• Has your employer failed to act after you reported it?

0-1 yes: If your yes was the first question, call 10111 now. Otherwise keep a record and speak to someone you trust at work.
2-3 yes: This needs action. Write down what happened and report it in writing to HR, a manager or your union this week.
4 or more yes: Please act now. Call SAPS on 10111 if you are in danger. Report in writing, and get advice from a labour attorney, your union or Legal Aid SA. Call the Cleared Mind Careline on 0800 212 146 for support.

What you can do next

• Today: Stay near other people and avoid being alone with the person. Arrange a safe way home. Save messages and write down what happened, with dates, times and witnesses.
• This week: Report it in writing to HR, a senior manager or your union, and keep a copy. Ask what steps they will take to keep you safe while they look into it.
• This month: If nothing changes, get advice about the CCMA or a protection order. Keep counselling going if it is affecting you.
• Staying safe on your phone: if the person may see your phone or work computer, keep notes on a device they cannot reach.
• You can ask for a change of shift, desk or reporting line while it is dealt with.

Your tool

Immediate Safety Check - a few quick questions that tell you whether you need help now, and the single next step to take.

When to get professional help

Get help if the harassment is sexual or violent, if you feel scared to go to work, or if it is affecting your sleep, health or mood. Get legal advice if your employer does not act.
Who can help: labour attorney, Legal Aid SA, counsellor, psychologist, emergency services

Getting help in South Africa

• SAPS (10111): to report threats, assault or sexual assault, and to open a case.
• GBV Command Centre (0800 428 428, 24/7): support for sexual and gender-based harassment.
• CCMA (ccma.org.za): disputes about harassment and unfair discrimination at work.
• Magistrate's court: protection orders under the Protection from Harassment Act.
• Legal Aid SA (legal-aid.co.za) and your union: advice on your rights.
• Cleared Mind 24-hour Careline (0800 212 146): confidential counselling any time.