Former Social Development spokesperson Lumka Oliphant has rejected accusations by Sisisi Tolashe that she misled Parliament.
The dispute follows a statement from the Department of Social Development accusing Oliphant of spreading misinformation and making unsubstantiated claims against the ministry.
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The department said Oliphant’s allegations are intended to shift attention away from the circumstances surrounding her dismissal.
Department Accuses Lumka Oliphant of Misinformation Campaign
In its statement, the department expressed concern over what it described as attempts to implicate the minister in matters beyond her current responsibilities.
Acting Head of Communication Sandy Godlwana said the claims were part of a broader effort to mislead the public and undermine the minister’s leadership.
“The Minister of Social Development Mrs Sisisi Nokuzola Tolashe has noted what appears to be a deliberate and sustained attempt to midslead the public and undermine her leadership through the circulation of distoterd narratives.
“The Ministry places it on record that these claims are being driven by a disgruntled former official of the department Ms Lumka Oliphant who was dismissed, following serious allegations to mismanagement of public resources and gross administrative conduct.”
Lumka Oliphant Stands Firm as Political Pressure Mounts
Oliphant has denied the allegations, maintaining that her statements are based on publicly available information.
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“I did not lie to Parliament, she did. I did not advertise the post of the Director-General without the President’s approval. I did not steal cars from the ANC Women’s League or the ANC. I did not do any of those things.”
Meanwhile, ActionSA and the Democratic Alliance have laid criminal charges against Tolashe.
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The parties allege that the minister failed to disclose luxury vehicles reportedly donated by the Chinese Embassy and registered in her children’s names, in contravention of parliamentary disclosure rules.
The controversy has intensified amid claims that the minister is avoiding directly addressing the allegations. Oliphant has accused Tolashe of deflecting from the issues at hand.
“It is a pity that she chooses to be the one who diverts attention on the multiple things that she needs to account for. I did not appoint an unqualified person in my office. I did not defy Cabinet and the president by giving the Director-General a five-year contract, against the one year that was recommended.”
The Department of Social Development has indicated that Tolashe will present a full account on matters relating to her responsibilities in Parliament.
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