Sexual Harassment at Work

Unwanted comments, touching or pressure for favours at work are never okay, and you have rights and safe ways to report.

5 min read · Awareness resource · Reviewed 2026-09-26

A supervisor who keeps commenting on your body. A colleague who touches you "as a joke". A manager who hints that a permanent post depends on "being nice". If something like this is happening, it is not your fault, and you have the right to be safe at work.

What is happening

Sexual harassment is unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that violates your dignity. It can be physical (touching, blocking your way, assault), verbal (comments, jokes, questions about your sex life), non-verbal (staring, gestures, sending explicit pictures), or "quid pro quo", where a job, promotion, shift or contract is linked to sexual favours. It can happen to anyone, of any gender, and it can come from managers, colleagues, clients, patients or suppliers. It can happen at work functions, on WhatsApp or on a work trip.

In South Africa, sexual harassment is a form of unfair discrimination under the Employment Equity Act. The Code of Good Practice on the Prevention and Elimination of Harassment in the Workplace expects employers to have a policy, take complaints seriously, protect people who report, and act. An employer who knows about harassment and does nothing may be held responsible. Where there is touching without consent or force, it may also be a crime you can report to SAPS.

Signs to notice

Comments about your body, clothes or sex life that make you uncomfortable.
Touching, hugging or brushing against you that you did not want.
Messages, pictures or requests that are sexual.
Hints or threats that your job, shifts or promotion depend on going along with it.
You change your route, clothes or schedule to avoid someone.
You feel scared, ashamed or sick about going to work.

30-second self-check

Answer yes or no.

Has someone at work made sexual comments or jokes about you after you showed it was unwelcome?
Has anyone touched you in a way you did not want?
Has anyone linked your job, shifts or promotion to a sexual request?
Do you avoid a person or place at work because of how they treat you?
Have you received sexual messages or images from someone at work?
Are you afraid to report because of what might happen to your job?

0-1 yes: Something may feel off. Trust that feeling and keep notes.
2-3 yes: This may be sexual harassment. You deserve support and can take steps safely.
4 or more yes: This sounds serious. Please get support now and consider reporting.

What you can do next

Today: If you are in danger right now, get to a safe place and call SAPS on 10111, or 112 from a mobile. If you were assaulted, you can get medical care and support at a Thuthuzela Care Centre or hospital, even if you are not ready to lay a charge.
This week: Write down what happened, when, where, and who saw it. Save messages and screenshots in a private place. Tell someone you trust. Read your company's harassment policy.
This month: Report to HR, a manager you trust, your union or the designated person in the policy. You can ask for interim protection, such as not working the same shift as the person. If your employer does not act, get advice about going to the CCMA.
You do not have to confront the person. The Difficult Conversation Planner can help you prepare a report instead.
Managers: listen, believe the person enough to act, protect them from retaliation and follow the policy. Do not try to "sort it out" informally between them.

Your tool

Difficult Conversation Planner - helps you set out the facts clearly, plan who to tell and what to ask for, and prepare for a report meeting.

When to get professional help

Harassment can cause anxiety, sleep problems, flashbacks and low mood. Speak to a counsellor or psychologist if these are affecting your daily life. For formal steps, a labour attorney, union or Legal Aid SA can advise you.
Who can help: labour attorney, counsellor, psychologist, Legal Aid SA, shelter or NGO, emergency services

Getting help in South Africa

The GBV Command Centre (0800 428 428) offers 24-hour support and can link you to services. The CCMA (ccma.org.za) handles sexual harassment disputes free of charge; time limits apply. Legal Aid SA (legal-aid.co.za) may help if you qualify. You can also contact the South African Human Rights Commission (sahrc.org.za). Your EAP or the Cleared Mind 24-hour Careline (0800 212 146) offers confidential counselling.