Former Department of Social Development spokesperson Lumka Oliphant has finally broken her silence after being dismissed, opening up about what she calls a culture of intimidation and silencing within the department.
Oliphant confirmed that she was officially fired on 17 October 2025 after being accused of failing to respond to internal charges. However, she insists the dismissal was politically motivated and part of a wider effort to silence professionals who question irregular decisions.
In a detailed statement, she accused Minister Sisisi Tolashe and senior officials of purging outspoken staff since the minister took office after the 2024 elections. “We have been purged and silenced because we fear for our lives and worry about where our next job will come from,” Oliphant said.
She claimed tensions started when she questioned the appointment of Acting SASSA CEO Themba Matlou and Director-General Peter Netshipale, saying the processes appeared irregular. “It looked like Matlou’s appointment was pre-determined. I told the DG if he had ambitions of going to jail, I did not,” she added.
Oliphant also alleged that she was sidelined after questioning a R3 million overseas trip and facing personal humiliation in meetings. Her troubles deepened after a media report about the trip, followed by what she described as an attempted bribe from a man claiming to be from the Hawks who allegedly offered to make her case disappear for R50,000.
Despite being ordered to hand over departmental assets, Oliphant says she will continue speaking out against what she calls “systemic silencing” inside government.