Pule Mabe takes leave amid sexual harassment allegations

Mabe says he's written to Secretary-General Ace Magashule asking that he be allowed to take leave until the grievance panel that's been set up to look into the complaint has completed its work.

Mabe has denied the claims.

In a statement - he says he was raised by a single woman and was taught to preserve the rights of women. 

"I will never in my clear mind and conscious go out of my way to violate women", the statement reads.

Mabe says he's taken the decision to go on leave - so as to ensure the integrity and fairness of the internal processes and to remove any possibility of any perceived interference in or influence in the processes. 

The alleged victim has detailed the alleged sexual harassment in a 14-page letter

She claims Mabe forced himself into his bed on two occasions earlier this year - and cut her salary after she rejected his advances.

The Commission for Gender Equality wants Mabe suspended with immediate effect. 

Mbuyiselo Botha is with the commission.

"It's very important that Pule Mabe and the ANC realise that sexual harassment is a serious matter in our country and can't be treated lightly. So, it's important for a suspension to happen as a matter of urgency - as a clear sign that the 16 Days of Activism against the abuse of women and children is taken seriously by the ruling party," Botha said.