KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has addressed gender-based violence in his office. Image: The Witness.
(The Post News)– The KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli’s Office has responded to gender-based violence allegations made by the former Director-General Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize against then co-worker and the office.
Dr Mkhize, made claims in statement about being physically and verbally attacked by a male colleague in the workplace after she refused to sign “unauthorised” Youth Funding documents. She then complained about the “absence of empathy” from the Primier’s Office which made her doubts abilities of the system when it comes to protecting women, adding that the fight is not only about her but about every female employees who suffers quietly in toxic work ING environments.
The Office stated that Ntuli has always held Dr Mkhize in high regard, recognising her experience and contributions as a public servant, hence he took time before responding to the resignation after accepting it, saying that acceptance of resignation was received by Mkhize with no plea to withdraw.
According to the statement, Dr Mkhize’s version of the story is inaccurate, and only shares one side of the story, different to the report that was presented by Mr Mdima’s line manager on 5 June 2025.
Investigations started after the report was received, and Mkhize was informed.
“It is regrettable that the version of events shared by the former does not reflect the full and accurate sequence of development that unfolded during the final days of her tenure,” The Office stated.
It is highlighted that Premier Ntuli was made aware of the altercation involving DG and Youth Director, through the Acting Deputy Director-General.
In response to gender-based violence and misconduct allegations, Ntuli expressed his disappointment on Dr Mkhize’s suggestion about his office not supporting, and is dismissing gender-based violence concerns, saying that the claims are baseless and misleading.
The statement shates that Ntuli has always been a leading voice KZN’s fight against the gender-based violence and femicide (GBV+F).
“He has personally attended funerals of GBV+F victims, supported affected families in court proceedings and consistently used public platforms to advocate for the safety, dignity, and protection of women and children,” the Office said.
Ntuli said he has attended some of these initiatives with Dr Mkhize, which he described as a reflection of shared values in the fight against gender-based violence, emphasising that suggestions about his Office being dismissive of violence against women is distortion of fact.
After Dr Mkhize’s resignation, the Youth Director has also vacated his position pending investigation, and the premier has ordered for transparency, accountability to continue holding the integrity of his office.
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