Trade union Solidarity has filed a defamation lawsuit against Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, following her allegations that the organisation played a role in spreading disinformation about South Africa in the United States.
The legal action, confirmed on Tuesday, marks a new escalation in the standoff between the union and government officials over accusations of disinformation campaigns said to have damaged South Africa’s global reputation.
According to Solidarity, the remarks made by Minister Ntshavheni were “reckless, unfounded, and damaging” to the union’s credibility and reputation, particularly in the context of its longstanding work on labour rights and international advocacy.
These allegations are not only baseless but also undermine the trust in civil society organisations that serve the interests of workers,” Solidarity stated. “We are seeking legal recourse to defend our good name and to ensure accountability.
The Presidency has yet to issue a detailed response to the lawsuit, but officials close to Ntshavheni have previously defended her comments as being in the public interest, arguing that South Africa’s democracy faces threats from misinformation campaigns that may be linked to political or organisational interests.
Legal experts suggest the case could set an important precedent on the balance between freedom of speech, accountability of government officials, and the rights of civil organisations not to be defamed in the public arena.
The matter is expected to draw significant public attention, as it touches on broader debates around information warfare, political accountability, and the credibility of South Africa’s civil institutions.
