Lumka Oliphant's dismissal highlights deepening crisis in Social Development ministry

Lumka Oliphant, the former head of communications at the Department of Social Development (DSD), has been dismissed amid a backdrop of internal turmoil, corruption allegations, and political infighting within the ministry.

Oliphant's termination, confirmed on Friday, follows a series of events that have cast a shadow over the DSD's leadership. Director-General Peter Netshipale cited reasons for her dismissal, including "gross violation of security clearance, breach of communication policy, gross insolence, and bringing the department into disrepute." However, Oliphant contends that her firing is a retaliatory measure for her efforts to expose alleged misconduct within the department.

Central to the controversy is Minister Sisisi Tolashe's R3 million delegation trip to New York, which Oliphant publicly criticized. Following an exposé by the Sunday Times, Oliphant was suspended and accused of "weaponizing" the story and of irregular spending—allegations not substantiated by the auditor-general’s report.

Oliphant's tenure was marked by her vocal defense of former minister Bathabile Dlamini during the 2017 South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) crisis. She also clashed with Tolashe over questionable appointments and internal investigations, including the protection of special adviser Ngwako Kgatla, who faced past disciplinary charges for double salaries, and the appointment of his niece as Tolashe's personal assistant.

The DSD has been beset by scandals for months. Former Sassa CEO Busisiwe Memela-Khambula was suspended despite a finding of no wrongdoing by the public protector. Confusion has also persisted over Netshipale’s contract term, with Tolashe forced to backtrack after telling parliament he had a five-year contract when cabinet had approved just one year.

Adding to the upheaval, former chief of staff Zanele Simmons was dismissed without warning on October 10. She has since taken her case to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration after the Labour Court ruled it lacked jurisdiction. Simmons’s lawyer said the court made a no-costs order and that the DSD’s claim that her case was dismissed with costs was “incorrect and misleading.”

Oliphant's dismissal has ignited further debate about transparency, governance, and the treatment of whistleblowers within the public sector. Her supporters argue that her firing is emblematic of a broader pattern of silencing dissent and protecting those in power. The unfolding events continue to raise questions about accountability and integrity at the highest levels of government.