South African court orders reinstatement of sacked social development spokesperson, R1.5m backpay

A South African court has ordered the Department of Social Development to reinstate Lumka Oliphant, its former communications chief dismissed under Minister Sisisi Tolashe, and pay over R1.53 million in backpay. The ruling is a legal setback for Tolashe's tenure, though the department may appeal. This adds to a pattern of court rulings against dismissals, signaling potential governance and accountability issues within the ministry.

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