Department of Social Development (DSD) spokesperson Lumka Oliphant has been suspended following media reports regarding the department’s travel expenses and Minister Sisisi Tolashe’s recent trip to New York[1][2][3].
Oliphant stated that her suspension came after Minister Tolashe believed she leaked information about the controversial travel expenses to the media[3]. Oliphant has publicly denied leaking confidential details and emphasized her refusal to be intimidated by the allegations[2]. The incident has drawn significant attention, with coverage appearing across print and broadcast outlets, and Oliphant has participated in interviews discussing the circumstances of her suspension and defending her actions[5][6].
References
- [1] Heated exchange between community members, GDE officials at Nigel school
- [2] Lumka Oliphant suspended following media reports on minister’s New York trip
- [3] DSD spokesperson, Lumka Oliphant, suspended after report on dept’s travel expenses
- [5] Oliphant on her suspension – YouTube
- [6] Social Development spokesperson, Lumka Oliphant suspended – SABC News YouTube