Social Development Head of Communication Lumka Oliphant has been suspended following allegations by the Sunday Times revealing a R3 million New York trip by Minister Sisisi Tolashe.

Oliphant denied leaking the information to the media, despite allegations from the department.

“Just because I have worked with almost every journalist and worked at City Press in particular, the department, Sisisi in particular, believes that I leaked the information to the Sunday Times and previous reports by the City Press,” Oliphant said.

Oliphant, who has been recognised as one of the best performing Heads of Communication in government according to the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), also criticised Minister Tolashe, saying she had been ridiculing 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,” Oliphant said.

The official described the suspension as politically motivated, linked to internal conflicts within the department.

“She has taken her political fight with Bathabile Dlamini to the department and has been victimising me in every meeting, but I decided to give her the respect she deserves as a leader and umntu omdala,” Oliphant said.

Oliphant further dismissed claims that her suspension was related to Auditor-General findings.

“The trumped up charges they say are as a result of the findings of the AG, which have nothing to do with me. If they are talking about the AG findings then the DG should be suspended because we have a multi-billion finding by the AG that speaks to the lack of management of Sassa by the department,” she said.

She also accused an advisor, Ngwako Kgatla, of influencing the department against her.

“This suspension is because one of the advisors, Ngwako Kgatla, has been telling everyone that I am the minister’s enemy because I worked with Bathabile. Actually, anyone who is not speaking with the advisor is moved around,” Oliphant said.

Despite the suspension, Oliphant said she remains undeterred and proud of her professional achievements.

“But here is a thing, I will be NOT intimidated by Sisisi, who must still go and finish her Grade 12. Ndim ndilapha etshatshalazeni bethuna. Andimoyiki uSisisi. To show that I know my work, as they were busy with the charges, my work is recognised internationally and confirmed today for an award,” she said.

IOL News

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