• DA gives KZN DoE seven days to provide full update on probe into allegations involving alleged selling of jobs, abuse of office and “sex-for-jobs”
• In the event of an unsatisfactory account from the DoE, the DA will escalate the matter to the Hawks
On 14 July 2026, the Department of Education (DoE) in KwaZulu-Natal publicly announced that the Head of Department (HOD) had ordered a full independent investigation following allegations involving its Head of Communications, Muzi Mahlambi, and his wife, Petu Mahlambi.
Almost two months later, there has been no public indication of progress, no outcome, no consequences and no clarity on whether the promised independent investigation has even been concluded.
These are not allegations that can simply be allowed to disappear from public view once media attention moves on.
The alleged selling of government posts is corruption. Any allegation that employment opportunities may have been linked to demands for sexual favours represents a particularly grotesque abuse of public power and of vulnerable jobseekers.
The DA has written (view attached) to Education MEC, Sipho Hlomuka and HOD, Nkosinathi Ngcobo demanding, within seven days, a written report setting out:
• Who was appointed to conduct the independent investigation;
• When the investigation commenced and whether it has been concluded;
• What allegations have been investigated;
• Whether any precautionary or disciplinary action has been taken;
• Whether any evidence of criminal conduct has been identified; and
• Whether any matter has been referred to law-enforcement authorities.
In the event that the DoE fails to provide a satisfactory account within seven days, the DA will formally refer the allegations and all available information relating to this matter to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) for assessment and criminal investigation into any conduct falling within its mandate.
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 DoE cannot announce an investigation when a scandal breaks and then hope that silence will make the matter disappear. If there has been wrongdoing, there must be consequences. If there has not, the investigation must say so. Seven weeks of silence is already too long.