Tolashe Accuses Lumka Oliphant of Orchestrating Misinformation Campaign

Social Development Ministry and Former Spokesperson Locked in Public Dispute

The Ministry of Social Development and its former spokesperson, Lumka Oliphant, have engaged in a bitter public exchange of accusations, with each side claiming the other is misleading the public and failing to uphold proper governance standards.

In a strongly worded statement released Thursday, the ministry accused Oliphant of orchestrating a “deliberate and sustained campaign” to undermine Minister Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe’s leadership following her dismissal from the department. According to official documents, Oliphant was placed on precautionary suspension on September 1, 2025, before being formally dismissed on October 17.

The ministry claimed Oliphant’s termination came “after failing to provide satisfactory representations on the charges brought against her,” alleging she was involved in “significant governance and procurement irregularities,” mismanagement of public resources, and gross administrative misconduct.

Rather than pursue proper institutional channels to address her grievances, the department accused Oliphant of taking her complaints public with what they described as unsubstantiated claims designed to “divert attention from the real reasons for her dismissal.”

Oliphant, however, has categorically rejected these characterizations and fired back with her own extensive list of allegations against Minister Tolashe. In a detailed rebuttal, she shifted focus to what she claims are the minister’s own failings and potential misconduct.

“I did not appoint an unqualified person in my office, I did not defy Cabinet and the president by giving the Director-General five years against the one year they were given,” Oliphant told The Citizen. “I did not shield my adviser, who equally doesn’t qualify for the position, and I did not lie to parliament. She did.”

Oliphant’s accusations extended beyond administrative matters, claiming the minister advertised a Director-General position without presidential approval and referencing a Daily Maverick investigation into allegedly stolen vehicles. “I did not steal cars from the ANC Women’s League or the ANC. I did not do any of those things,” she stated.

The former spokesperson emphasized that her claims were based on publicly available information that had been previously presented to parliament. “These things were tabled in parliament. I’m even sure that by now you can directly go and ask the auditor-general because I should be arrested, like she should be arrested, as we’re talking now,” said Oliphant.

Beyond specific allegations, Oliphant delivered a broader critique of Tolashe’s ministerial performance, suggesting the department has neglected key social development priorities under her leadership. “Nothing is happening in that department. She is pushing nothing except for going to the eye crop that she goes with Sassa,” Oliphant claimed, questioning when the public last heard the minister champion causes related to drug and alcohol abuse, child protection, or elderly welfare.

In a particularly personal challenge, Oliphant questioned Tolashe’s credentials as a struggle figure, demanding photographic evidence to support any claims of political imprisonment during the liberation movement. She concluded by calling for Tolashe’s resignation, saying, “She must go to the president and submit her resignation so that South Africans can sleep peacefully and the taxpayers of this country can know that they’ll have people who are competent.”

Thursday’s hostile exchange followed a departmental statement issued the previous day calling for media restraint amid growing investigative reporting into alleged misconduct within the department. That statement urged journalists to exercise caution and observe due process while characterizing some reporting as advancing “personal grievances” using “inflammatory or defamatory language.”

Despite multiple investigations raising serious questions about conduct at senior departmental levels, the ministry maintained that Tolashe had been decisive in addressing irregularities since taking office and would not be “intimidated or distracted by attempts to derail this work.”

The ministry added that Tolashe would present “a full and factual account to parliament on all matters within her responsibility” at an appropriate time, suggesting the minister intends to address these allegations through formal channels rather than engaging further in public disputes.

The escalating war of words highlights significant governance concerns within a department responsible for crucial social welfare programs across South Africa at a time when many vulnerable citizens depend on these services.