Commander Floyd Shivambu has publicly accused political communicator Nhlamulo Ndhlela of running a deliberate misinformation campaign, including fabricating claims about former President Jacob Zuma and retired Judge President John Hlophe.
In a circulated statement, Shivambu alleged that Ndhlela openly admitted plans to lie about him to Zuma as part of a political strategy. The controversy deepened after Ndhlela appeared on a Rupert family-linked media platform, where he claimed Hlophe had accused someone of forging his signature in an internal dispute.
Shivambu strongly denied these allegations, stating Hlophe never made such accusations nor pursued legal action. “He lied on national television using a respected judge’s name,” Shivambu said, condemning what he called calculated deception to manipulate public opinion.
The revelations have caused ripples across political circles, particularly among groups that previously used the disputed forgery claims for political gain. Shivambu noted their current silence suggests growing accountability for spreading misinformation.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about:
– Ethical standards in political communication
– The weaponization of false narratives in power struggles
– Media accountability in platforming unverified claims
Ndhlela has not yet responded publicly, leaving the allegations unanswered. Meanwhile, observers are watching for potential fallout in political and media circles as calls grow for transparency in public discourse.
This case highlights ongoing challenges with truth and manipulation in South Africa’s political landscape, where unsubstantiated claims can significantly impact reputations and public trust.