When Justice Is Delayed: Power, Harassment, and the Fight for Fairness





When Justice Is Delayed: Power, Harassment, and the Fight for Fairness

Harassment in the workplace isn’t just a violation of ethics—it’s a painful betrayal of trust. 

When those in power exploit their positions, the damage cuts deeper, especially when the systems designed to protect us fail to respond. 

The ongoing allegations of sexual harassment involving the Eastern Cape Judge President remind us that this issue isn’t confined to offices or factories—it reaches even into the heart of our justice system.

For many, these cases reveal an unsettling truth: justice often moves at a snail’s pace, if it moves at all. Investigations stretch on for years, outcomes are elusive, and victims are left waiting, their lives in limbo.

 In the silence of these delays, the message seems clear: power protects its own.

When Power Hides Behind Systems

Harassment thrives where power goes unchecked. 

Whether in a boardroom, a government office, or even a courtroom, those at the top often escape accountability, shielded by fear, silence, and systems designed to protect the status quo.

It’s not just about the law—it’s about culture. Victims often don’t speak up because they fear retaliation, losing their jobs, or being labeled troublemakers. And when the accused holds significant power, like the Eastern Cape Judge President, the barriers grow even higher.

Let’s be honest: it’s hard to trust a system that appears to protect the powerful over the vulnerable. The drawn-out timeline of these allegations sends the wrong message—not just to the victims, but to everyone watching.

Real Stories, Real Lessons

What’s happening in the Eastern Cape reflects a global struggle:

  • In Government: We’ve seen public officials accused of wrongdoing, only to see the cases buried under bureaucracy or outright denial.
  • In Corporations: Many companies boast about “zero-tolerance” policies, yet employees often describe workplaces where silence and complicity are the norms.
  • In Courts: The very institutions that should lead by example can be the slowest to act, as we’re seeing now.

The result? A vicious cycle. Victims lose faith in the system, harassers feel emboldened, and the public grows disillusioned.

Breaking the Silence, Demanding Action

Ending harassment isn’t just about policies or laws—it’s about culture and courage. Real change starts with those who refuse to look away or make excuses.

Here’s how we can begin:

  1. Investigations Must Be Transparent: Whether in a company or a courtroom, secrecy protects the guilty. We need clear, fair processes that deliver answers, not endless delays.
  2. Independent Oversight Is Key: Let’s face it—internal investigations often protect those in charge. Independent bodies ensure fairness and accountability.
  3. Support Victims, Not Silence Them: Counseling, legal aid, and protection from retaliation aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re necessities.
  4. Empower Whistleblowers: It takes bravery to speak out. Those who do must know they’re not alone and won’t face the fallout alone.

A Wake-Up Call for Institutions

To those who continue to dismiss or downplay harassment, here’s the truth: silence and inaction are no longer options. Public patience is wearing thin, and the consequences of failing to act are mounting.

Harassment isn’t just a workplace issue; it’s a human issue. Every delay, every ignored complaint, every cover-up sends the same message: “Your pain doesn’t matter.” But it does matter. Every victim’s story matters.

Time to Act: No More Excuses

The allegations in the Eastern Cape have shown us how far we still need to go. But they’ve also reminded us of what’s at stake. Every time we let power go unchecked, we erode trust—not just in our systems, but in each other.

Justice delayed is justice denied. It’s time to move past excuses and take real, decisive action. The world is watching, and so are the victims waiting for someone to finally stand up and say, “Enough is enough.”

Are we ready to rise to this challenge? Or will we continue to let the powerful walk away while the vulnerable are left to pick up the pieces?

Let’s not just ask for change—let’s demand it. Together, we can build workplaces, institutions, and communities where respect isn’t a privilege, but a right.


Les

If you have enjoyed this article a small donation would be appreciated.


Kind regards,

Les Joubert

(Email: joubertles@yahoo.com)


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