The Department of Social Development is ordered to reinstate former communications chief Lumka Oliphant and pay her more than R1.53 million in back pay after an unfair dismissal ruling. The decision follows findings that her dismissal was procedurally and substantively unfair, with reinstatement ordered and a return-to-work date set.

The three outlets largely agree on the outcome: Oliphant’s reinstatement, the back-pay amount, and when she is due to return. Two reports specify that a bargaining council made the unfair dismissal determination, while all mention that she is to go back to work on 1 November. One outlet also frames the story in relation to the former minister Sisisi Tolashe, describing the ruling as a blow to her legacy, while the others focus more directly on Oliphant’s employment outcome.