DSD Spokesperson Lumka Oliphant Suspended Amid Travel Expense Controversy
Natalie Nyathi
Lumka Oliphant, the spokesperson for the Department of Social Development (DSD), has been suspended following an exposé in the Sunday Times regarding the department’s travel expenses. The article revealed that the DSD spent R3 million on five-star accommodation for its delegation’s trip to New York.
According to Oliphant, Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe believes that she leaked the information to the Sunday Times, as well as to City Press for previous reports. Oliphant has denied these allegations. She suggests that the accusations stem from her extensive professional network within the media, having worked with numerous journalists and at City Press in the past.
Oliphant has also accused Minister Tolashe of ridiculing her work, despite her being recognized as a high-performing Head of Communication within the government. She further claims that her suspension is politically motivated and linked to internal conflicts within the department, particularly Minister Tolashe’s alleged political fight with Bathabile Dlamini. Oliphant stated that she has been labeled as an enemy of the minister. Additionally, Oliphant pointed to an advisor, Ngwako Kgatla, as someone who has been influencing the department against her.
Oliphant has dismissed claims that her suspension is related to findings by the Auditor-General. She argues that if the suspension were truly about the AG’s findings, the director-general should be suspended instead, citing a multi-billion rand finding related to the South African Social Security Agency’s management by the department.
Nokuzola Gladys “Sisisi” Tolashe has been the Minister of Social Development since June 2024. Prior to this role, she served as the Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities. Tolashe has been a Member of Parliament since 2016.
Despite her suspension, Oliphant remains defiant. She asserts that she will not be intimidated and is proud of her professional achievements, even stating that her work has been internationally recognized.
The Department of Social Development has been invited to comment on the matter but has so far declined.
