Attorney Barry Varkel and his client, Melanie Maree, after winning a case that highlighted the persistent issue of workplace abuse and its long-lasting effects on victims.
After enduring five years of emotional and psychological abuse in the workplace, Melanie Maree has achieved justice in a landmark case heard in the Western Cape Equality Court.
Ms Maree, 43, is the property manager at Paramount Place in Green Point, a business office, where Tomas Kedir was a tenant with his jewellery business.
Mr Kedir, 70, was found guilty of gender-based discrimination and hate speech.
“Everyone asked why I was doing this, I did not do this for the money. The court order states that he has to pay legal fees and there is nothing being paid to me, and it was never about money. He called me a bitch a thousand times and referred to other women as bitches and whores. I don't believe I’m the first woman he has spoken to like this, but I want to be the last, he has to take accountability,” said Ms Maree.
Mr Kedir was ordered to issue an unconditional apology to Ms Maree, acknowledging the harm caused by his actions, which included derogatory remarks, gender-based discrimination, and emotional trauma from 2018 to 2023.
Additionally, he has been ordered to pay R50 000 in damages to The Safe House, a non-profit organisation supporting victims of gender-based violence (GBV), and to cover Ms Maree’s legal costs.
“I wanted justice, and I wanted that piece of paper with his apology. This is proof that I didn't do it for the money. The court order and apology proves that he tried to discredit me,” she said.
Ms Maree’s attorney, Barry Varkel, expressed relief at the resolution, noting her courage required to endure both the abuse and the lengthy legal battle.
“He shouted and swore at me when I had my 4-month-old baby strapped to my chest, and he was more abusive after lockdown restrictions were lifted. I had six miscarriages in the past five years but I did not link it to the stress I was experiencing, but I had to stand up to him because I will have to stand up for my daughters in the future,” she said.
She adds that she consulted a psychiatrist for the last few years but after the court case has stopped as she is happier.
As part of the court settlement, Mr Kedir expressed regret for his behaviour, stating: “I apologise for my generally unacceptable behaviour towards Melanie Maree from 2018 to March 2023. I regret my inappropriate behaviour and apologise for any harm my actions may have caused Melanie Maree.”
The Atlantic Sun reached out to Mr Kedir for comment via his attorney William Booth, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
Mr Varkel said The Safe House has received the R50 000 payment from Mr Kedir.
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