Senior official Lumka Oliphant has refuted reports of her suspension from the Department of Social Development. Image credit: @The_DSD/X
(The Post News)–Senior spokesperson Lumka Oliphant has strongly rejected her suspension from the Department of Social Development, insisting that officials acted on unfounded allegations. On Monday, Oliphant issued a statement alleging that Minister Sisisi Tolashe suspended her because she is accused of leaking departmental data to the Sunday Times.
The suspension followed media reports revealing that the department spent R3 million on New York hotel bills, which in turn sparked widespread public criticism. She confirmed her suspension on Monday but condemned the decision made by both the department and Minister Tolashe.
Alleged Leaks and Targeting
Oliphant remarked, “Merely due to my extensive collaboration with nearly every reporter, particularly my former tenure at City Press, the department, especially Sisisi, asserts that I was responsible for leaking information to the Sunday Times as well as previous accounts published by City Press.”
In addition, Oliphant, who has been acknowledged as one of the top-performing heads of communication within government by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), reproached Minister Tolashe, claiming that the minister had been mocking her efforts.
“Sisisi, who lacks even a Grade 12 certificate, has been mocking my performance despite the fact that I am still regarded as one of the highest-achieving communication chiefs in government,” Oliphant stated.
Moreover, Oliphant further alleged that officials are targeting her because of her connections with Bathabile Dlamini, the former Social Development Minister. She emphasized that her professional relationships should not influence allegations of wrongdoing.
Auditor-General Findings and Fabricated Accusations
Oliphant insisted that the accusations against her are fabricated. She specifically denied any connection between her suspension and the Auditor-General’s findings.
“The fabricated accusations they mention are supposedly based on the AG’s report, which does not involve me. If their focus is on the AG’s conclusions, then the Director General ought to be suspended instead, given the multi-billion rand audit finding highlighting the department’s mismanagement of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA),” she stated.
Furthermore, she accused one of the minister’s advisers, Ngwako Kgatla, of influencing the department’s stance against her.
“This suspension stems from one of the advisors, Ngwako Kgatla, spreading the idea that I am the minister’s adversary due to my work with Bathabile. In fact, anyone who does not align with the advisor ends up being relocated,” Oliphant explained.
Commitment to Transparency and Accountability
Additionally, Oliphant stressed that the issues cited in the Auditor General’s report highlighting mismanagement within SASSA and an audit with qualifications are not linked to her role. She argued that these matters fall under the responsibility of the Director General, not her office.
“The Auditor General’s concerns highlight systemic problems that the leadership must address,” she said. “I have no involvement in those processes, and it is misleading to suggest otherwise. Targeting me does not solve the department’s real accountability issues.”
The controversy comes at a time when public scrutiny of the Department of Social Development is increasing. Indeed, the revelation of extravagant hotel expenses in New York has sparked criticism, particularly in light of South Africa’s economic challenges and the critical role of SASSA in providing grants to millions of vulnerable citizens.
Moreover, observers have warned that suspending senior communicators over alleged leaks without clear evidence risks fostering a climate of fear within the public service. Analysts also note that the department risks damaging its credibility further by addressing perceived leaks rather than systemic management issues.
Despite the suspension, Oliphant remains committed to transparency and accountability. She has denied ever leaking departmental information to the media and insists that the department’s focus on her distracts from its real governance failures.
“This is not about me,” Oliphant said. “It is about accountability and ensuring that leadership addresses wasteful spending and mismanagement. Suspending me does not provide the public with answers.”
Oliphant has indicated that she will challenge the suspension if necessary and has not ruled out legal action should the department refuse to reinstate her or provide evidence to support its claims.
Her case underscores tensions in the South African public sector between whistleblowing, political loyalty, and accountability. Several officials who have raised uncomfortable questions about spending or governance have faced disciplinary measures under the guise of leak investigations.
For now, attention remains on Minister Tolashe and the Department of Social Development, which must respond both to the New York hotel bill controversy and growing concerns over its handling of personnel and governance issues.
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