The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has launched an independent investigation into allegations that its spokesperson, Muzi Mahlambi, and his wife, Umlazi District Director Metu Mahlambi, were involved in the alleged sale of employment posts, following the circulation of a viral video.
The investigation follows the emergence of a controversial video on social media showing a heated domestic dispute.
In the footage, Metu Mahlambi makes a series of allegations against her husband, including claims of infidelity and the alleged sale of teaching posts.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the department said the HOD, Nkosinathi Ngcobo, had noted with serious concern the allegations contained in the video.
“The department views these allegations seriously, as they concern the integrity of public administration and the trust that the people of KwaZulu-Natal have placed in the department.
“While the allegations remain untested, it is the responsibility of the department to ensure they are subjected to a fair, credible and impartial process.”
The department said the HOD had directed that a full investigation be conducted by an independent body to establish the veracity of the claims.
“The investigation will be conducted without fear, favour or prejudice, and all relevant evidence will be considered,” the statement said.
The department urged the public not to draw conclusions before the investigation is completed.
“It is important that due process is respected and that all parties are afforded the fairness guaranteed by law and the principles of natural justice.”
Ngcobo also reassured the people of KwaZulu-Natal, education stakeholders and the public that the department remains committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct, accountability and good governance.
“The department will cooperate fully with the independent investigation and will act decisively on its findings.
“The department further encourages any individual who may have credible information relevant to these allegations to make it available to the investigating body or the appropriate law enforcement authorities so the matter can be thoroughly investigated.”
The department reiterated its commitment to maintaining transparent, fair and merit-based recruitment processes and protecting the integrity of its institutions.
Meanwhile, Muzi and Metu Mahlambi have issued a joint statement apologising for the leaked video.
The couple said the footage was recorded four years ago during a private marital dispute and expressed regret that what they described as an “intensely emotional moment” had entered the public domain.
Addressing the allegations made in the video, they said the remarks were not factual.
“We wish to clarify that many of the allegations and remarks made in the heat of that argument were emotional expressions born out of hurt, frustration and anger, rather than factual representations,” the statement said.
“They should not be taken as an accurate account of our relationship or of either of our characters.”
The Mahlambis acknowledged that their words carried significant weight and apologised to members of the public who were affected or disappointed by the video’s contents. They said the statements made in anger had created perceptions “that do not accurately reflect reality”.
The couple said they had since worked through their personal challenges with “honesty, forgiveness and commitment” and remain together, “stronger and more united than before”.
They appealed to the public not to judge their lives or characters based on what they described as a single, isolated incident from four years ago and asked for privacy as they continue to move forward as a family.
