The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu‑Natal has given the provincial Department of Education (DoE) a seven‑day ultimatum to provide a full written update on an independent probe into allegations that government posts were sold and that sexual favours were sought in recruitment processes.
Allegations, named officials and the stalled investigation
The dispute centres on claims involving the department’s Head of Communications, Muzi Mahlambi, and his wife, Petu Mahlambi. The DoE first announced on 14 July 2026 that the Head of Department had ordered an independent investigation. The DA says that, almost two months on, no public outcome or clear progress has been disclosed.
The DA’s letter to Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka and HOD Nkosinathi Ngcobo demands precise information about the inquiry and any resulting steps. The party warned that if the department’s response is not satisfactory within the week it will formally refer the allegations and supporting material to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) for assessment and possible criminal investigation.
What the DA wants to know
In its correspondence the DA asked the DoE to supply a written report addressing specific points. The party listed the information it requires to determine whether the inquiry has been credible and whether any evidence of criminal conduct exists.
- Who was appointed to conduct the independent investigation
- When the investigation began and whether it has been concluded
- Which allegations were investigated
- Whether any precautionary or disciplinary action has been taken
- Whether any evidence of criminal conduct has been identified
- Whether any matter has been referred to law‑enforcement authorities
A summary table of the DA’s requested points is below.
| Requested item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Identity of investigator(s) | Establish independence and credibility of probe |
| Start and end dates | Assess timeliness and progress |
| Scope of allegations investigated | Confirm whether all allegations were examined |
| Precautionary/disciplinary steps | Determine immediate measures to protect process and victims |
| Evidence of criminality | Decide if referral to law‑enforcement is needed |
| Referrals made to authorities | Track escalation and transparency |
DA frames move as accountability, not prejudice
“This is not about prejudging the guilt of any individual. It is about ensuring that allegations of corruption, abuse of office and the possible exploitation of people desperate for employment are subjected to a credible investigation.”
The DA emphasised that its intent is to see a thorough, transparent investigation rather than to jump to conclusions. Still, the party described the allegations — which include the selling of government positions and demands for sexual favours in exchange for employment — as matters of serious public concern that warrant urgent and independent scrutiny.
Potential next steps: Hawks involvement
Should the DoE’s reply be judged inadequate, the DA has said it will provide the Hawks with the allegations and any documentation it holds so the national priority‑crime unit can assess whether to open a criminal probe. The Hawks investigate serious and organised crime, including corruption in the public service.
It remains unclear from the DA’s public letter whether the DoE has already shared investigative findings with other oversight bodies or the provincial ethics structures. The department has previously said that an independent probe was commissioned but has not released details on its mandate, investigators or timelines.
Local implications and calls for transparency
If substantiated, the allegations carry a heavy reputational cost for a department charged with staffing schools and supporting learners across KwaZulu‑Natal. Recruitment processes that are perceived as corrupt or exploitative undermine trust in public institutions and can disadvantage applicants from poor and vulnerable backgrounds.
Parents, school staff and community leaders who monitor governance and service delivery in education will be watching the DoE’s response closely. The DA’s insistence on written answers within seven days increases political pressure on the provincial administration to disclose the investigation’s status and any remedial actions.
The DoE has not yet publicly responded to the DA’s ultimatum. The coming week will determine whether the matter is escalated to the Hawks and whether further transparency measures will be demanded by other oversight bodies and political parties in the province.
