The Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, is at the centre of a growing controversy after her accusations against trade union Solidarity and civil rights group AfriForum sparked a legal battle over alleged defamation. As tensions mount, Solidarity has issued a seven-day ultimatum for the minister to retract her claims and offer an unconditional apology for the reputational damage they allege her statement has caused.
Solidarity’s CEO, Dirk Hermann, revealed that the union has initiated legal proceedings against Ntshavheni following her inflammatory remarks, which she made during a media briefing on March 27, 2025. In that statement, she accused both Solidarity and AfriForum of engaging in a “misinformation and disinformation campaign” during their recent visit to the United States, a claim Hermann strongly disputes.
“It all started on the 3rd of February when the ANC said in a press release that AfriForum was guilty of spreading misinformation,” Hermann explained.
“Without providing any facts, the minister in the presidency suggested that the cabinet takes note of the continued misinformation and that the acts of treason cannot be left unpunished.”
The controversy escalated when Ntshavheni went a step further, labelling Solidarity’s actions as “treasonous” and constituting a threat to national sovereignty. In a move seen as an attack on civil liberties, she proposed regulating civil society organisations, a suggestion that has drawn fierce criticism from various sectors as an infringement on freedom of speech and association.In a formal legal notice, Hermann has demanded that the minister withdraw her statements, asserting that failing to do so could result in measures including defamation and treason charges against her.
He emphasised that Solidarity’s legal team is prepared to pursue additional legal actions if their demands are not met within the specified timeframe.As the situation develops, law enforcement agencies are investigating Ntshavheni’s allegations of treason against Solidarity and AfriForum.
“This legal storm comes amid strained diplomatic relations between South Africa and the US, exacerbated by the recent expulsion of former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool. In light of these tumultuous developments, the appointment of a new ambassador remains pending, with Mcebisi Jonas currently serving as special envoy to the US.Solidarity condemned Ntshavheni’s statements as an attempt to silence organisations that challenge prevailing state ideologies. Hermann reiterated the urgency of addressing what he described as an unfounded narrative, stating,