By OBAKENG MAJE
4 September 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) calls on the Public Service Commission (PSC) to investigate the conduct of National Department of Social Development’s Head of Communication, Lumka Oliphant. This follows vitriolic statements attributed to Oliphant in the aftermath of the United Nations Conference trip undertaken by the South African delegation marred by allegations of extravagance in hotel accommodation and flight ticket.
SAUCIC President Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole said that Oliphant’s unprofessional conduct is unprecedented.
“Not only does this unhinged conduct and arrogance undermine the Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe as the Executive Authority of the department, but sets precedence as it has blurred lines of protocol, good governance and accountability.
“A probe by the PSC will be both neutral and objective because a departmental process might be viewed as biased,” he said.
Shole emphasised that South Africa’s attendance of conferences aimed at addressing the challenges of gender equality and the empowerment of women was not only desirable, but crucial as part of contributing to the global effort. He said anyone who thinks otherwise does not understand the need for participation at high level platforms like the UN Commission on the Status of Women and Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children.
“Conferences like these are important in order to ensure that the country’s response is informed by international best practices, global trends and experiences.
“It is common knowledge that financial expenditure and accountability are the responsibilities of the accounting officer. Therefore, allegations of financial irregularity and or mismanagement should squarely be directed at the Director General of the Department and the Chief Financial Officer,” stressed Shole.
He further said Oliphant’s attacks on Tolashe are unwarranted and disrespectful.
“Her confrontational posture does not belong in the public service nor in the political arena, where mud is thrown around because by comparison to the Minister’s political credentials, she is a small fry.
“The department might be dealing with an ambitious destabiliser and an individual who could be part of a group that has deeply entrenched its influence to the extent that it is prepared to challenge as well as take on anyone it regards as an outsider such as Tolashe and the newly appointed Deputy Director-General for welfare services, Sizakele Magangoe,” suggested Shole.
The Guardian 