Secretary accusing EC Judge President of sexual harassment cross-examined on 'daddy' text she sent

JOHANNESBURG - The Judicial Conduct Tribunal is continuing with the careful examination of the electronic messages that were exchanged between Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge and High Court Secretary Andiswa Mengo. 

In July 2021, Mengo referred to the senior judge as 'daddy' in a text on social media platform, Whatsapp. 

This after she obliged a request by the judge to share a video she had posted on her Whatsapp status. 

Mengo has previously testified that the judge president instructed junior employees in the division to refer to the judges in that manner. 

The tribunal is investigating the top judge after Mengo laid a complaint against him, accusing him of sexual harassment. 

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Evidence leader advocate Salome Scheepers probed Mengo on the nature of her message to the jurist.

"Just explain to us, why did you refer to him as ‘daddy’? Why did you call him like that?"

With the assistance of an interpreter, Mengo explained that it was the nature of her interactions with all judges in the division.

"I responded in this manner because he is indeed a father and I referred to him as father and I do the same to other male judges. I refer to them as ‘daddy’ as well. The female ones, I will call them ‘mommy’ as they also understand that I am their little girl."

The judge president indicated his pleasure with how Mengo communicated with him.   

However, Mengo previously indicated that this was a sign of respect on her part.