The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in KwaZulu-Natal has called on Premier Thami Ntuli to tackle the allegations of gender-based violence that have surfaced in his office.

The party expressed its outrage over serious allegations of GBV implicating a male staff member in the Premier’s office.

“It has been alleged that Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize, the longest-serving Director-General in the province, quit her post following a threatening encounter with another male official in the Premier’s office. We have learned that the situation escalated to such a degree that Dr Mkhize had to be escorted by security personnel for her safety. It is even more concerning that she ultimately chose to resign not because she wanted to leave her post, but because she feared for her life. Her dignity, peace of mind, and professional reputation have been violated.

“We regard this not merely as a workplace dispute or administrative issue. It is a shocking case of gender-based violence, abuse of power, and political bullying within one of the highest offices in our province,” the party stated.

“We demand that the Office of the Premier acts decisively to protect the integrity of its institutions and restore public trust. We will also be formally writing to the Premier to demand an official explanation on this matter and to request the full details surrounding Dr Mkhize’s resignation and the circumstances that led to it,” the EFF continued.

The party warned that if no urgent action is taken, it will not hesitate to escalate the matter to the Public Protector, the Commission for Gender Equality, and other relevant oversight bodies to ensure that accountability is enforced.

“This cannot be business as usual. We cannot afford to normalise the abuse of power, especially when it is directed at women who choose to do what is right. The silence around gender-based violence, particularly in government institutions, must end. Dr Mkhize deserves justice, and the public deserves answers,” the party concluded.

THE MERCURY

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