Former Employee Accuses Oppenheimer Partners of Harassment and Discrimination
Sexual Harassment and Abuse: Haribhai’s Disturbing Experience
Janine Haribhai, a former secretary at Oppenheimer Partners Africa Advisors (OPAA), has filed a court application in the Equality Court, accusing Jonathan Oppenheimer’s company and its partners of engaging in a “brutal dismissal turned retrenchment to cover up sexual harassment, victimization, bullying, and racism.” Haribhai, who worked as an executive assistant from December 1, 2016, to June 8, 2020, claims to have endured various forms of abuse during her employment, leading to her dismissal after filing a complaint.
A Hostile Work Environment: Allegations Against Company Directors and Partners
According to Haribhai’s detailed account, she highlights the inappropriate conduct of company director Jacob Hinson, who allegedly subjected her to persistent sexual harassment and threats that created a fearful work environment. Haribhai further alleges that Hinson made defamatory remarks and dismissed her without valid warnings. In addition to Hinson, Haribhai claims that other company directors and partners also subjected her to abuse, but due to the absence of a designated Human Resources representative, she was unable to report these incidents.
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Lack of HR Support: Absence of Proper Channels to Report Abuse
Haribhai reveals the challenges she faced in addressing the abuse she endured at OPPA. The absence of a dedicated HR representative meant she had no formal channel to report the misconduct, leaving her feeling helpless and unsupported. This further contributed to the hostile work environment and the alleged cover-up of the abuse.
Company’s Response: Oppenheimer Partners Denies Wrongdoing
OPPA confirms Haribhai’s dismissal in June 2020 but vehemently denies any wrongdoing. The company conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations raised by Haribhai and asserts that the claims were found to be baseless. They express disappointment that Haribhai has chosen to revive these allegations three years later after an agreement was previously reached and all allegations were withdrawn. OPPA claims that Haribhai attempted to extort money from the company.
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Legal Battle Unfolds: Haribhai Seeks Compensation and Justice
The court application filed by Haribhai seeks various forms of relief, including damages for the loss of income, employment, shares, and annual bonuses. The ongoing legal proceedings will determine the outcome of the allegations made by both parties involved. The court will carefully consider the evidence and testimonies to ascertain the truth and deliver justice in this contentious case.
What is OPPA?
Oppenheimer Partners is a company founded by Jonathan Oppenheimer. OPAA is an investment advisory firm that operates in Africa, providing financial and strategic advice to clients in various industries. The company offers services such as mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and investment management. It is associated with the Oppenheimer family, a prominent South African family known for their business ventures and philanthropy.
Jonathan Oppenheimer Tax Dispute Against UK HMRC
In 2022 Jonathan Oppenheimer had a tax dispute with UK HMRC. He and his family moved to the UK in 2007 for their children’s education. HMRC investigated a family trust’s GBP 20 million remittances to him, resulting in a GBP 10 million revenue service assessment.
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He claimed tax residency in the UK and South Africa, where he lived permanently. The “centre of vital interests” would determine Oppenheimer’s tax residency. The UK-South Africa tax treaty addressed such disputes, including nationality and habitual abodes.
He had to prove that his vital interests were in South Africa despite his UK residence. The FTT examined his tax returns, property holdings, employment history, memberships, and even personal habits. Oppenheimer won because the FTT found that his centre of vital interests and the habitual abode was in South Africa. HMRC’s tax assessments were cancelled because Oppenheimer is South African and a treaty resident. The ruling even mentioned that he had considerable political influence in South Africa.