Lumka Oliphant, the former chief director of communications for the department of social development, has initiated a formal challenge against her dismissal by acting minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, urging a public retraction of statements made by former minister Lindiwe Tolashe. Oliphant's lawyers have submitted a five-page letter to Chikunga, highlighting an ongoing unfair dismissal dispute before the Public Health and Social Development Sectoral Bargaining Council, where Oliphant alleges the process was both substantively and procedurally flawed. Oliphant was dismissed on October 17, 2025, facing charges including gross violation of security clearance and prejudicing the department's administration, which her legal team contends were never properly put to her. They also argue that the disciplinary process was fundamentally flawed, with Oliphant being found guilty and invited to make representations on sanctions on the same day the notice was received, precluding adequate opportunity to respond. Oliphant seeks an amicable resolution through discussions with Chikunga and also demands a public retraction of a department press statement accusing her of misinformation.