DA wants De Lille to explain bullying allegations in Tourism Dept
According to the City Press, Tourism Director-General Victor Tharage has been accused of bullying senior staff members.
GOOD Party leader Patricia de Lille at the Union Buildings ahead of the 2024 presidential inauguration on 19 June 2024. Picture: Jacques Nelles/Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it would send written questions to Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille to determine what is happening in her department following bullying allegations involving a senior official.
According to the City Press, Tourism Director-General Victor Tharage has been accused of bullying senior staff members.
According to the report, some staff members have since resigned after accusing Tharage of being a bully.
In the first quarter of this year, three directors approached the Public Protector to probe him for abuse of power and failing in his duties.
Tharage has denied the allegations levelled against him.
However, DA MP and spokesperson on tourism, Haseena Ismail said these allegations must be treated seriously.
"The DA calls on the Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, to take serious steps regarding the allegations against the Director-General of Tourism, Victor Tharage. It is reported that he bullied and manipulated his power, leading to the resignation of senior staff members. These allegations are of deep concern to the DA, painting a picture of a toxic environment that has ostensibly made many dedicated employees resign."