This past week, the a local news paper George Herald reported on a disturbing case that has shaken our community: a teacher alleges she was locked in a classroom and harassed by a fellow teacher, followed by ongoing intimidation at her home (https://www.georgeherald.com/News/Article/Crime/teacher-alleges-harassment-and-victimisation-at-school-202509040102) .

The matter is now before the courts, and while the legal system will run its course, the story highlights a much bigger issue, the urgent need for businesses, schools, and organisations to have proper workplace policies in place.

Sexual Harassment Is Not Just a “Big Company” Problem

Many small to medium-sized businesses believe that sexual harassment policies are only necessary for large corporations. The truth? Harassment can happen anywhere—from offices and factories to schools and NGOs. When it does, the consequences can be devastating:

• Legal battles at the CCMA or Labour Court

• Reputational damage if the matter goes public

• Loss of trust and morale among employees

• Financial costs related to settlements, legal fees, and turnover

Without a clear, legally compliant framework, employers are left scrambling, and often making mistakes that deepen the crisis.

Policies Protect Employers and Employees

A Sexual Harassment Policy isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating a safe, respectful workplace where staff know:

• What behaviour is unacceptable

• How to report harassment

• What steps management will take to investigate and act

• What consequences follow for those who break the rules

Pairing this with a Disciplinary Code ensures that employers have a structured, fair, and legally sound process to follow. This isn’t only about protecting staff, it’s also about protecting the employer from accusations of unfair treatment or negligence.

The Cost of Doing Nothing Is Too High

Imagine the embarrassment and stress of your company’s name making headlines for the wrong reasons. Imagine the cost of defending a CCMA claim because a complaint wasn’t handled correctly.

The reality is simple: prevention is far cheaper and safer than damage control.

How Legal Assist Solutions Can Help

At Legal Assist Solutions, we specialise in helping businesses take proactive steps to protect themselves and their employees. We offer:

• Customisable Sexual Harassment Policies – tailored to your business and industry

• Disciplinary Codes – clear rules and procedures that hold up at the CCMA

• Employee Acknowledgement Forms – proof that every staff member understands the policy

• Workplace Training – practical sessions to educate employees and managers on their rights and responsibilities

Our solutions are affordable, practical, and legally compliant—starting from as little as R550. Whether you need a ready-to-use template or a bespoke solution, we can provide it.

Take Action Before It’s Too Late

The case reported in George should serve as a reminder: sexual harassment is real, it’s happening in our communities, and businesses cannot afford to ignore it.

Now is the time to put the right structures in place. Don’t wait until you are forced into the spotlight by a complaint or a legal dispute.

📩 Contact us today at admin@legalassistsolutions.co.za
📞 WhatsApp/Call: +27 63 875 9658

Legal Assist Solutions – Protecting Employers. Empowering Employees.