DSD Confirms Precautionary Suspension of Lumka Oliphant Following Auditor-General Findings
The Department of Social Development has confirmed the precautionary suspension of its long-serving spokesperson, Lumka Oliphant, following findings by the Auditor-General, allowing an investigation to proceed without interference. This move comes amid allegations of leaks and internal conflicts, sparking widespread debate about accountability and political motivations within the department.
Background to the Suspension
Lumka Oliphant, the Chief Director of Communications at the Department of Social Development, was placed on precautionary suspension on 1 September 2025. The department’s Director-General, Peter Netshipale, explained that the action is intended to ensure a fair and unbiased investigation into potential misconduct. Oliphant remains on full pay during this period, with the probe expected to conclude within seven days. The suspension follows a Sunday Times exposé revealing that the department spent R3 million on a two-week trip to New York for the UN Commission on the Status of Women in March 2025, including luxury accommodation for an 82-person delegation. Minister Sisisi Tolashe’s personal expenses reportedly exceeded R1 million for flights and a five-star hotel stay.
In a short notice issued on Monday morning, the department linked the investigation to consequence management arising from Auditor-General findings. These findings relate to the mismanagement of programmes such as the Integrated Justice System and the National Integrated Social Protection programme, as well as issues with the South African Social Security Agency, which received a qualified audit. However, Oliphant has strongly disputed this, arguing that the Auditor-General’s concerns have nothing to do with her role and should instead target senior management, including the Director-General.
Oliphant’s Response and Denials
Oliphant released a scathing statement on Monday, claiming her suspension stems from Minister Sisisi Tolashe’s belief that she leaked information to the Sunday Times. She accused the department of levelling trumped-up charges against her, dismissing the allegations as unfounded and politically driven. In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Oliphant expressed that she was not surprised by the suspension, having anticipated it. “I was not surprised. I was waiting for this and those who are close to me will tell you that I’ve been saying that I think this is coming,” she said.
She firmly denied leaking the story, calling the accusation hurtful and false. Drawing on her background as a qualified journalist with a master’s degree in journalism and media, Oliphant noted that her professional history often leads to suspicions whenever negative stories about the department surface. “I cannot erase my history that I was a journalist. Most of the people that are in the newsrooms, they were either at school with me, they were either my bosses, they were either my colleagues,” she explained. Oliphant pointed out that the Sunday Times article was based on a parliamentary question—a public document—and the department’s detailed response, which included dates and accommodation details. “They handed over the story to the Sunday Times,” she claimed, adding that she opposed some parts of the response but was not involved in drafting it.
Oliphant further suggested that the leak suspicion serves as a smokescreen for deeper internal conflicts. She linked her suspension to a feud between Minister Tolashe and former minister Bathabile Dlamini, with whom she shares a close relationship. “I believe that Cece and there of course you refer to the minister has brought her fight with Tabata in the department and I’ve always been her target,” she posted on social media, later clarifying “Tabata” as a typo for “Bathabile.” In her statement, she accused Tolashe of ridiculing her work despite her recognition as one of the best-performing heads of communication in government, according to the Government Communication and Information System.
Allegations of a Broader Purge
Oliphant alleged that her suspension is part of a wider purge of executives not aligned with the minister’s advisor, Ngwako Kgatla. She claimed Kgatla has been labelling her as the minister’s enemy due to her past work with Dlamini and influencing moves against non-compliant staff. “This suspension is because one of the advisors, Ngwako Kgatla, has been telling everyone that I am the minister’s enemy because I worked with Bathabile. Actually, anyone who is not speaking with the advisor is moved around,” Oliphant said. She cited examples such as the shifting of senior managers like the chief of staff to other entities, and named individuals including Thabani Buthelezi, Zanele Simmons, and Osborne Masilela as cases in point.
She also highlighted the appointment of the acting Chief of Staff, whom she described as Kgatla’s niece, accusing her of falsifying her CV by claiming volunteer work for the late Hlengiwe Mkhize. Oliphant views the mismanagement charges as fabricated, noting her contributions to advancing the programmes during her acting role as Deputy Director-General. She argued that if the Auditor-General’s findings are the basis, the Director-General should face suspension due to multi-billion-rand issues with Sassa’s management.
Public and Media Reactions
The suspension has ignited public debate, with social media buzzing over Oliphant’s bold statements. In her posts, she defiantly stated, “But here is a thing, I will be NOT intimidated by Sisisi who must still go and finish her Grade 12. Ndim ndilapha etshatshalazeni bethuna. Andimoyiki uSisisi.” This translates to her refusing to be intimidated, emphasising her resilience. Oliphant has received overwhelming support, including offers of legal assistance from South Africans. “I’ve been receiving a lot of calls from different people who want to take this and actually I’m very overwhelmed by South Africans wanting to assist whether it is legal, it is legal services, it is everything,” she shared.
Media coverage has raised questions about internal dynamics in the department and the handling of media relations in government. A poll questioned whether public officials should receive full pay while suspended, reflecting broader concerns about accountability. Oliphant defended the department’s participation in the UN event but criticised the handling of media queries, believing some information should not have been disclosed.
Oliphant’s Background and Achievements
Oliphant, a veteran in communications, credits her success to a supportive upbringing in Kwa-Langa, Cape Town, where her late father instilled a love for reading and self-confidence. With over a decade as a journalist, she transitioned to government, facing challenges in a patriarchal environment but advocating for women and excellence. Recently recognised internationally for her work, she remains proud of her contributions, even as the suspension unfolds.
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