Lumka Oliphant Suspended: Social Development Spokesperson Hits Back At Minister Sisisi Tolashe

The Department of Social Development (DSD) has suspended its Chief Director of Communications, Lumka Oliphant, on full pay while an investigation into possible misconduct is underway.

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Director-General Peter Netshipale announced the decision on Monday, 1 September, explaining that the suspension was necessary “to conduct an investigation without hindrance or interference, given Ms Oliphant’s position in the Department.”

The department linked the action to consequence management processes following the Auditor-General’s audit findings, but did not specify the allegations under investigation.

Lumka Oliphant Rejects Claims, Blames Political Interference

Shortly after the suspension was made public, Oliphant issued a strongly worded statement rejecting the move.

She claimed it was not related to the Auditor-General’s report but rather to a Sunday Times exposé about Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe’s reported R3 million trip to New York.

“I have just received a letter of suspension from the department following an exposé by the Sunday Times on a trip to New York where Minister Sisisi Tolashe spent R3 million for two weeks,” Oliphant wrote.

She alleged that she was being victimised and accused the minister of undermining her work: “Sisisi, who does not even have a Grade 12, has been ridiculing my work even though I remain one of the best performing Heads of Communication in government according to GCIS.”

“Andimoyiki uSisisi”: Oliphant Vows Not to Back Down

Oliphant further argued that the Auditor-General’s findings “had nothing to do with me” and instead implicated senior management, including the Director-General. She also pointed to alleged factionalism within the department, naming Minister Tolashe’s advisor, Ngwako Kgatla, as a central figure in the political tensions.

Despite her suspension, Oliphant made it clear she would not be silenced: “I will not be intimidated by Sisisi, who must still go and finish her Grade 12. Ndim ndilapha etshatshalazeni bethuna. Andimoyiki uSisisi,” she said, meaning “I am not scared of Sisisi.”

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