Johannesburg – The National Freedom Party called for the axing of Social Development department spokesperson Lumka Oliphant after noting with "shock and disgust the continued arrogant nature and reckless comments" she allegedly made.
Responses on social media allegedly posted by Oliphant using foul language to dispel claims that her boss Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini recently addressed a gathering in Germiston while drunk, have raised the ire of many including the NFP.
"We call on the minister to set the record straight and act decisively by putting the Department first over cadre deployment and comradeship and call her to order by releasing her from that office to restore public confidence in her office and the Department," said the NFP in a statement.
The NFP said Oliphant, as a public servant, employed by the government should conduct herself "with dignity and respect".
"Such conduct is not only restricted during official hours but also outside the official hours including how one should behave in the public space."
The NFP said Oliphant's recent comments about "defending her food" on Twitter in reaction to a report that her boss Dlamini was drunk were "characterised by vulgar language including the use of the F-word.
"We call on the minister to set the record straight and act decisively by putting the department first over cadre deployment and comradeship and call her to order by releasing her from that office to restore public confidence in her office and the department".
The longer the minister remains mum over the matter, the more damage this woman will cause, warned the NFP. Oliphant, who could not be immediately reached for comment has not confirmed if the offending posts on social media were indeed hers.