Mbenenge tribunal to hear testimony from a gender expert

JOHANNESBURG - Gender specialist Lisa Vetten has been given the green light to testify before the judicial conduct tribunal investigating allegations of sexual harassment against Eastern Cape judge president, Selby Mbenenge.

On Monday, the tribunal heard submissions from Mbenenge's legal team against Vetten's appearance, arguing that her evidence may not be relevant for the proceedings.

However, legal counsel for High Court secretary, Andiswa Mengo, countered this argument, submitting that her evidence would be necessary. 

Lisa Vetten is expected to testify on power relations in the workplace after it became a recurring theme in the sexual harassment probe against the Eastern Cape's top judge.

ALSO READ: Judge Mbenenge may testify before tribunal probing sexual harassment allegations

However, legal counsel for Mbenenge argued that Vetten's submissions may not be material to the proceedings.

Tribunal chairperson, retired judge president, Bernard Ngoepe, said the panel chose to be cautious in its approach to allow this testimony.

"We are of the view that we should rather err on the side of caution. Even though there's argument about its relevance, allow it nevertheless to be given because we are confident that if it is irrelevant, we'd be able to hold* accordingly at any time, even at the end of that particular evidence, we will say "It is irrelevant" and then we will put it aside. Contrast that with a situation where you exclude evidence which might well be relevant and material," said Ngoepe.

The teams for the complainant and respondent are now trying to find a way forward regarding witnesses testifying for Mbenenge before Vetten takes the stand, or whether a postponement of the sitting is best.