What you can do when you are being harassed

Keep a record of all incidents, taking notes on date and time, potential witness and what was done.

Confront the harasser. Firstly you can act informally and speak to the harasser directly, taking a witness with you. You could also make a formal complaint following the normal complaint procedure.

Use a grievance or disciplinary procedure as a formal way of dealing with harassment cases. Report the matter to the appropriate person at work:
- If you are a member of a union or employees’ association, contact your shop steward or representative.
- If you are not a union member, contact the company’s Human Resources Manager or someone else in a position of authority, like your Supervisor or Senior Manager.
- If you work in a very small business and the above options are not open to you, contact the CCMA for assistance regarding your rights in terms of the labour laws.

Once the case has been reported, the company management (or union) must investigate the case.

Usually, there will be a disciplinary inquiry to establish the facts, hear both sides of the story and decide on the appropriate disciplinary measures for the harasser. The matter can be referred to the CCMA for conciliation and, of unresolved, the matter is referred to the Labour Court.