Minister breaching Oath of Office Amid Maladministration and Corruption.

Allegations of corruption and maladministration within the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture (DSAC) have thrust the Minister into the spotlight, with accusations of breaching his oath of office and constitutional responsibilities. The accusations center around the deliberate shielding of senior civil servants, including Acting Director-General Dr. Cynthia Khumalo, who also holds the position of Deputy Director-General of the Cultural Development Unit. According to documented evidence, which includes email communications, the Minister’s special advisor was reportedly involved in communications with the Minister’s personal assistant regarding these matters as far back as October 19, 2023. These communications followed a visit by the special advisor to SARA House on August 28, 2023. The crux of the matter lies in allegations of blatant abuse of power and rampant maladministration within DSAC, with senior civil servants purportedly at the center of these allegations. Despite evidence brought forth, there are accusations that the Minister has failed to uphold his oath of office and Section 217 of the Constitution, which mandates transparency, accountability, and integrity in the management of public resources. The gravity of these allegations cannot be understated, as they strike at the heart of good governance and public trust. Corruption within government institutions erodes public confidence, undermines democracy, and diverts resources away from critical services and programs intended to benefit the populace. Calls for transparency and accountability within DSAC have intensified, with civil society organizations, opposition parties, and concerned citizens demanding swift and decisive action from the relevant authorities. The Minister is under mounting pressure to address these allegations transparently and impartially, ensuring that those found guilty of wrongdoing are held accountable and that corrective measures are implemented to prevent future abuses. In light of these developments, the integrity and credibility of DSAC are at stake. The Minister must demonstrate unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law, rooting out corruption, and restoring public trust in the department’s operations. Failure to do so not only undermine the pillars of democracy but also perpetuates a culture of impunity that threatens the very fabric of society. **A complete story will be published on the next Imbizo Magazine issue**.