By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former Social Development Department (DSD) communicator Lumka Oliphant confirmed her dismissal as head of communications for the department.
In a letter dated 17 October 2025, signed by Director-General Peter Netshipale, Oliphant was informed of her immediate dismissal for violations including breaching security clearance, communication policy, gross insolence, disrespect, prejudicing the department’s administration, and bringing it into disrepute.
This comes after her suspension in September 2025, the department citing irregularities flagged by the Auditor-General.
However, Oliphant claimed she was suspended because the Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe, believed that she had leaked information to the media about a R3 million trip that the department had spent on six delegates who were on a two-week trip to New York.
In her interview with Newzroom Afrika, Oliphant said everything in that department its a mess, they will meet at the ballot box, meaning when its time for voting.
“At this point, I should remind you that Nelson Mandela once said ‘if the ANC were to do what the apartheid government did to us, we must do to the ANC what we did to the apartheid government’.”
Oliphant, who has long been at odds with Tolashe, said she was moved by messages of support from South Africans who have faced similar treatment.
The letter further added that Oliphant must return all departmental assets to the individual delivering the dismissal letter.
Meanwhile Netshipale is facing disciplinary charges amid internal scandals, contract disputes and whistleblower allegations.
He has been given until 20 October to make written representations, and that the department would not comment further.
Netshipale was given a five-year employment contract as DG, despite the fact that Cabinet approved his appointment for only one year.
Last week, Tolashe told Parliament’s Portfolio Committee that a letter from Cabinet erroneously stated that it had approved a five-year term for Netshipale as the department’s DG.
Netshipale is due to reach retirement age next year.
“This was just a clerical error, not an intentional act, and it’s been resolved without prejudice to the Cabinet’s authority, Tolashe said.”
Netshipale has served as the Deputy Director General: Community Development at the Department of Social Development since 2013, and prior to his official appointment as Director General, he began acting in the role in 2024.