Advocate Jeremy Gauntlett, a prominent figure in South Africa’s legal community, has decided to retire following serious allegations of sexual harassment brought against him by Hylton White, a former acquaintance. This revelation surfaced amidst Gauntlett’s involvement in a significant investigation commissioned by the Anglican Church. Gauntlett had been appointed to assess the actions of the late John Smyth, a former Anglican priest accused of sexually abusing at least 85 boys across various countries. The allegations against Gauntlett came to light after his involvement in this inquiry, raising questions about his suitability for the task.
White, who is currently a senior lecturer in social anthropology at the University of the Witwatersrand, publicly shared his experiences with Gauntlett. He described how, during his youth, he viewed Gauntlett as a mentor who supported his rejection of apartheid and provided a sense of validation during a challenging time. White recalled their interactions in the Eastern Cape, where Gauntlett spoke passionately about his legal work defending liberation fighters. At the time, White felt a connection to Gauntlett, believing that the lawyer understood his struggles and was an ally in his personal growth.
However, White’s perception of Gauntlett began to change as their relationship progressed. He recounted a disturbing incident during a hike when Gauntlett allegedly made unwanted advances, including undressing him and engaging in inappropriate behavior. White described additional troubling encounters over the years, including an experience in Port Elizabeth during the 1980s when Gauntlett allegedly invited him to his hotel room, where he was asked to undress and engage in sexual acts. Despite these uncomfortable and unsettling events, White explained that he continued to seek Gauntlett’s attention and approval, even attending court appearances and asking for a reference at one point.
As time went on, White reached out to the Anglican Church to express his concerns about Gauntlett’s involvement in the Smyth investigation, believing that the lawyer’s past behavior made him unfit for the role. White claims that his concerns were not taken seriously, which led him to take the step of publicly sharing his story. He expressed frustration that the Church had failed to act on his warnings, despite the serious nature of the allegations and the importance of the inquiry.
In response to these developments, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba confirmed that Gauntlett had voluntarily stepped down from the inquiry panel. While this may have resolved part of the situation, the General Council of the Bar (GCB) has referred the allegations to both the Cape Bar and the Johannesburg Society of Advocates for further investigation. The GCB has expressed concern over the severity of the allegations and their potential impact on the legal profession, underscoring the importance of ensuring accountability in cases of misconduct.
This case highlights broader questions about accountability, transparency, and the responsibility of institutions to respond to allegations in a timely and thorough manner. The Anglican Church’s initial failure to address White’s concerns raises important issues about how institutions manage sensitive matters involving powerful individuals. As the investigation into Gauntlett continues, it will likely have lasting implications for how both legal and religious organizations approach similar cases in the future, as well as how they safeguard the trust placed in them by the public.
