WhatsApp text takes centre stage at EC Judge President's tribunal hearing
Andiswa Mbengo delivered testimony before the tribunal on Wednesday after she laid a complaint against Selby Mbenenge in 2023, alleging that the senior judge had made sexual advances towards her.
The Judicial Conduct Tribual hearing into the sexual harassment claims against Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge in Rosebank, Joahnnesburg on 15 January 2025. Picture: Zoleka Qodashe/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - The tribunal investigating allegations of sexual harassment against Eastern Cape Judge President, Selby Mbenenge has heard that secretary in the division, Andiswa Mbengo also initiated conversations with the judge.
In June 2021, Mbengo sent the top judge a message observing Father's Day.
She delivered testimony before the tribunal on Wednesday after she laid a complaint against Mbenenge in 2023, alleging that the senior judge had made sexual advances towards her.
The conversations between the pair have been read out publicly before the judicial body.
READ: Woman accusing EC Judge President of sexual harassment sticking to her story
Among them is a text from Mengo to Mbenenge which evidence leader, and advocate Salome Scheepers sought clarity on.
"You initiated the conversation that day at six o’clock in the morning to say happy Father's Day, Jola. Why did you start the conversation that day?"
The high court secretary says she delivered similar messages to other men and another senior judge in the division.
Helped by a translator, Mbengo explained the reasoning behind her text.
"That was a very important day, especially to fathers. Therefore, I saw it fit to send him a happy Father's Day wish because, in the end, he is a father."