The KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier has noted the media statement issued by the former Director-General, Dr Nonhlanhla Omic Mkhize, as well as the serious allegations levelled against the Office.
From the outset, it is important to reaffirm that Premier Ntuli has always held Dr Mkhize in high regard, recognising her long-standing experience and contribution as a senior public servant.
Upon receiving her letter of resignation on the afternoon of 04 June 2025, the Premier took time and formally handed over the acceptance of the resignation on the 09 June 2025 and former DG received the acceptance letter with no plea to withdraw. She only then presented a document which was giving her side of the story on the altercations as reported by the line manager of Mr Ndima the acting DDG Mr Ntuli. Fortunately the report received from the Acting DDG Mr Ntuli on the 5th of June 2025 had already triggered the investigation started by the office of the premier on the matter and the former DG was informed of such.
As part of the investigation the office of the premier has requested the footage on the incident since there are cameras in the building.
It is regrettable that the version of events shared by the former DG does not reflect the full and accurate sequence of developments that unfolded during the final days of her tenure.
To set the record straight:
The Premier was made aware of a workplace altercation involving the DG and a senior subordinate — the Youth Director — not by Dr Mkhize herself, but by the Acting Deputy Director-General (Stakeholder Management).
At the time the Premier was informed of the altercation, Dr Mkhize had already submitted a formal resignation — which, it must be emphasised, did not include any reasons for her decision to resign. The resignation letter was presented without reference to the incidence or any accompanying documentation. Unfortunately the manner in which the resignation was submitted limited a space of engagement as it was sent through the official from her office, not hand delivered by herself.
On Allegations of Gender-Based Violence and Misconduct
The Premier is deeply disheartened by the suggestion that the Office of the Premier is not supportive of women or dismissive of gender-based violence concerns. These claims are baseless and misleading.
Premier Ntuli has been a leading voice in KwaZulu-Natal’s fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBV+F). He has personally attended funerals of GBV+F victims, supported affected families in court proceedings, and consistently used public platforms to advocate for the safety, dignity, and protection of women and children.
Dr Mkhize herself has, on many occasions, supported and joined the Premier in these efforts — a reflection of shared values in the fight against GBV+F. To suggest that the Premier does not care about GBV is a distortion of fact and a disservice to the Premier’s long-standing advocacy in this area.
The Office of the Premier is of the view that, should its internal investigation be deemed insufficient or unsatisfactory, the Premier fully acknowledges the rights of both the former Director-General and the former Director to refer the matter to any appropriate authorities, including the South African Police Service, as the allegations of gender-based violence are of a serious nature. Both parties are also encouraged to cooperate fully with the internal investigation to ensure the matter is thoroughly and fairly addressed.
Both Dr Mkhize and the Youth Director have since vacated their positions in the office of the Premier and in spite of that the premier has ordered that the investigation continues to ensure transparency, accountability, and to uphold the integrity of the Office.
We reaffirm our commitment to transparency, justice, and dignity for all employees — and to creating a workplace culture that protects the rights of all who serve the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu‑Natal
