AN
Anele N

1 reviews | Active since Jul 2025

31 Jul 2025, 16:58

Harassment by Clientèle Life Agent – Legal Action to Follow

On 31 July 2025 at 16:14, I was harassed by a field agent representing Clientèle Life at Maponya Mall. The agent, Mr. Tshepo Mnisi, made unsolicited, discriminatory, and degrading remarks about my ***uality and medical status, stating that I “don’t have testosterone” and referring to me in a manner that alluded to gender-based violence (GBV). These comments were ********, deeply offensive, and constituted public harassment.

Prior to this incident, Mr. Mnisi was also seen aggressively approaching an elderly woman who clearly resisted his interaction—raising concerns about his overall conduct and suitability for the role.

As a customer passing by, I was subjected to verbal harassment that caused significant emotional distress. This behavior violates several legal protections under South African law:

- Protection from Harassment Act (Act 17 of 2011) This Act protects individuals from unwanted conduct that causes harm or inspires fear—applicable even in public or commercial spaces.

- Employment Equity Act (Section 6) and the Code of Good Practice on Harassment (2022) These recognize harassment based on ***ual orientation or gender identity as unfair **************, and require employers to take accountability for the actions of their representatives.

- ILO Convention 190 (Ratified by South Africa) Frames gender-based violence and harassment as workplace safety issues, requiring proactive prevention by employers.

I am currently preparing to take legal action against Mr. Mnisi and will be lodging formal complaints with:

- Clientèle Life’s HR department - South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) - Commission for Gender Equality (CGE)

I expect Clientèle Life to investigate this matter thoroughly, take disciplinary action, and provide a formal written response. Failure to act will further reinforce their liability for negligence and disregard for customer safety.

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Replies (3)
Clientele Life
Clientele Life's reply01 Aug 2025, 08:24
Official
Dear Anele N,

We confirm receipt of the concerns raised and apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Your query has been escalated to the relevant department for investigation, and we will be in contact to assist. 

Yours sincerely,

Market Conduct 
Clientele Life
Clientele Life's reply01 Aug 2025, 14:47
Official
Dear  Anele N, 

Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. 
 
We would like to take the opportunity to apologise for the manner that you were treated and can confirm this is not the type of service we provide our customer. 
 
The matter has been escalated to the management team and corrective steps will be taken to prevent this from happening again. 
 
Our Market Conduct department was in contact with you and you acknowledge the feedback provided to you by Skhumbuzo Mbele. 
 
We trust you find this in order, however should you require any further assistance in the interim, please feel free to contact us again. 
 
Kind Regards, 
 
Market conduct 
AN
Anele N's update16 Sept 2025, 12:16
Reviewer Update
Following an incident at Maponya Mall involving a field agent representing Credico South Africa, I lodged a formal complaint and requested an internal investigation. I wish to confirm that the matter has now been resolved.

Credico South Africa issued a written apology and provided a detailed investigation report. It was clarified that the agent involved in the public interaction was Mr. Churchill Lithaba, not Mr. Tshepo Mnisi as initially believed. Due to the absence of CCTV footage, no disciplinary action could be taken against Mr. Lithaba, but remedial steps were recommended, including mandatory sensitivity training on LGBTQ+ awareness, anti-**************, and professional conduct.

Separately, Mr. Tshepo Mnisi was found to have violated the POPIA Act by contacting me directly and interfering with the investigation. A disciplinary process was initiated, resulting in a written warning and the revocation of his access to customer data in future investigations.

The matter was referred to SAPS, who confirmed that it does not fall under ******** jurisdiction and should be handled internally by the employer. I appreciate Credico’s commitment to resolving the issue procedurally and respectfully, and I consider the case closed on my side, contingent on the implementation of the recommended actions.

This review serves as a public record of the resolution and the steps taken to uphold professional standards and data protection compliance.