The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (KZN DoE) has launched an independent investigation following allegations of job selling after a viral video surfaced on social media. The investigation concerns its press secretary, Muzi Malambi, and district director Umlazi, Mthethwa Malambi.
In the controversial video, Mthethwa, holding a mobile phone, accused her husband of alleged sexual relationships with individuals applying for teaching positions, as well as of selling teaching posts. However, the couple released a statement claiming the recording was made about four years ago.
They apologized for the language used, the accusations, and the behavior displayed in the video. They explained that the recording captured an extremely emotional moment during a private family conflict and expressed deep regret that the video became public. In their statement, they emphasized that many remarks made in the heat of the argument were emotional expressions of pain, disappointment, and anger, rather than an accurate reflection of reality.
Despite the couple's statements, the KZN Department of Education stated that it has ordered an independent inquiry into the allegations contained in the video. The Department views these accusations very seriously as they touch upon the integrity of public administration and the trust of KZN residents in the department. It noted that although the allegations are not yet proven, the department's duty is to ensure a fair, credible, and impartial process.
The head of the department ordered the establishment of a full review by an independent body to ascertain the truth of the allegations. The Department stressed that no conclusions can be drawn until the investigation is complete.
Erasmus Yanin from Corruption Watch (CW) condemned such practices, regardless of their factual basis, labeling them corruption, extortion, and clear abuse of power. She recalled that in CW's 2022 report, similar violations in the education sector, including sexual corruption and bribes for jobs, accounted for 12.1% of all education-related complaints. Erasmus noted that KZN is one of the hotspots for educational corruption, and the allegations from the video align with this identified pattern.
Erasmus also stated that the passage of four years since the incident does not negate the need for accountability. She called on the KZN DoE to fully investigate these allegations, hoping for independence and transparency in the inquiry.
Thirona Mudli, CEO of the National Association of Professional Teachers of South Africa (Naptosa) in KZN, described the allegations as serious and relating to potential irregularities in the appointment process. She demanded that KZN DoE act decisively and quickly to establish the facts.
Sibusiso Victor Malinga, president of the National Teachers' Union (Natu), expressed regret that such allegations 'undermine' the reputation of the Department of Education. He welcomed the investigation, insisting that those guilty of selling positions should be dismissed, not merely suspended.
Sifiso Sondjika, ANC spokesperson in KZN, expressed full confidence in the department's ability to conduct the investigation. Sakhele Mngadi, DA spokesperson on education in KZN, demanded an urgent independent forensic investigation, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations. He called for the preservation of all evidence, including the video, and if criminal conduct is found, for the case to be handed over to the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority.
Shamin Takur-Rajbanshi, leader of the Minority Front, stated that while officials might dismiss the video as an old quarrel, teachers have complained for years that only those who can pay a bribe get positions. She insists that the investigation's findings must be made public, and the department should establish a hotline to prevent such actions.
The KwaZulu-Natal Education Department has initiated an independent investigation following serious allegations regarding the illegal sale of teaching positions.
The department announced this after a video surfaced on social media showing a dispute between the department's Head of Communications, Muzi Malambi, and his wife, Metu Malambi, who is the director of the Umhlazi district within the department. According to the Sunday Tribune, in the video, Metu Malambi levels several accusations against her husband, including involvement in the alleged sale of educational slots and having sexual relations with job-seeking teachers.
In a joint statement, the couple claimed that the video was recorded four years ago and that the accusations are unfounded. In its statement on Tuesday, the department noted that these allegations are taken very seriously as they affect the integrity of public administration and public trust.
The head of the department ordered a full review by an independent body to establish the veracity of these claims. The department emphasized that the investigation will be conducted impartially, all relevant evidence will be considered, and conclusions should not be drawn until the review is complete.
The KwaZulu-Natal Education Department stated its full readiness to cooperate with the independent investigation and would react decisively to its findings. It also urged any individuals possessing credible information regarding these allegations to provide it to the investigative or relevant law enforcement agencies for thorough examination. The department affirmed its commitment to maintaining transparent, fair, and merit-based hiring processes and protecting the integrity of its institutions.
Sakhile Mngadi, the DA's representative for education in KwaZulu-Natal, demanded an urgent independent forensic investigation into these allegations. Mngadi noted that while the DA does not pass judgment, the accusations themselves and the person making them require immediate and independent scrutiny. He warned that if the allegations prove true, it would expose a 'shocking betrayal' of education aspirants, many of whom have sought work for years through processes they considered fair and transparent. Furthermore, a guarantee was requested for the proper preservation and examination of all evidence, including video material. If criminal conduct is found, the case must be immediately handed over to the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Muzi Mahlambi, a representative of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, and his spouse, Metu Mahlambi, the Umhlazi district director, issued a joint statement to apologize for a controversial video circulating on social media.
The video, which captured an extremely tense family conflict, features the spouse leveling serious accusations against the education representative, including claims of infidelity and alleged selling of teaching positions.
In their joint statement, the couple clarified that the recording is four years old and was made during a private marital dispute. They expressed deep regret that this 'extremely emotional moment' ended up in the public sphere.
Responding to specific claims made during the argument, the couple emphasized that these accusations are untrue. The statement reads: 'We want to clarify that many of the accusations and remarks made in the heat of that argument were emotional expressions born out of pain, disappointment, and anger, and not factual representations.'
As public figures, the Mahlambis acknowledged the significance of their words and apologized to the public who may have been affected or disappointed by the video's content. They insisted that statements made in anger created perceptions that 'do not reflect reality.'
The couple reported overcoming personal difficulties through 'honesty, forgiveness, and commitment,' stating that they remain together and have become 'stronger and more united than before.' Concluding the statement, they urged the public to refrain from jumping to conclusions about their lives or character based on a single incident from years ago, and requested privacy as they move forward as a family.
Despite the couple's clarifications and apologies, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has yet to issue an official statement regarding the controversial video or the related allegations, leaving many questions unanswered in the public domain.
