Nhlamulo Ndlela, a prominent politician, has recently found himself at the center of a public controversy. Floyd Shivambu made unfounded and serious allegations against Ndlela during an interview with eNCA in June 2025. The claims were broadcast to a large audience and have sparked outrage. Ndlela has demanded a public apology and a formal retraction.
Floyd Shivambu’s Allegations against Nhlamulo Ndlela
Shivambu, during the eNCA program, made a number of remarks that were damaging to Ndlela. He accused him of always being under the influence. Shivambu also suggested that Ndlela planned to deceive former President Zuma. The accusations not only damaged Ndlela’s reputation but also his credibility.
Shivambu went beyond simple allegations in his statements. Shivambu called Ndlela an “idiot” and a “fool”, intensifying his personal attacks. He claimed that Ndlela was intoxicated and therefore unable to make good decisions. This led to public criticism. Ndlela’s defamatory comments, broadcast to a nationwide audience, had a far-reaching impact on him, leading to immediate legal action.
Nhlamulo Ndlela responds with evidence and clarity
Ndlela acted quickly to clear his reputation in response to these serious accusations. Ndlela used his official social media accounts to share the results of Lancet Laboratories’ drug and alcohol tests. Shivambu was wrong. The test revealed that he had no illicit substances in his system. Ndlela, to make his position known, posted the results of his test on his X account (formerly Twitter), along with a message aimed towards raising awareness about drug abuse.
In his post, Ndlela stated, “As we observe #Drug &AlcoholAwarenessWeek, let’s note that abuse is not about politicking. It is a plague that destroys youth, breaks up families, and undermines the foundations of our society. Say NO to making drug abuse lighthearted and YES to saving lives. #SayNoToDrugs “By sharing these results, Ndlela sought not only to disprove false accusations, but also to highlight the broader problem of drug abuse within society. While clearing his name, this move also strengthened his commitment to a broader societal cause.
Nhlamulo Ndlela Demands Retraction and Apology
Ndlela’s legal team, Ndou Attorneys Inc. issued a formal demand letter to Floyd Shivambu following the defamatory interviews. The letter detailed the specific accusations made during the interview and demanded a retraction immediately. Ndlela’s legal team also requested that Ndlela apologize publicly for making false statements and damaging his reputation.
It was very clear in its demands. Shivambu was required to:
- Retract his statements: This should be done on Shivambu’s social media pages and accompanied with an apology.
- Public apology: The apology must be unqualified and acknowledge the harm Shivambu’s remarks caused.
- Request a correction by eNCA: The team required Shivambu also to contact eNCA and request that they air a corrective during a similar timeslot.
- Stop defamatory remarks: The letter stated that Shivambu should refrain from further defamatory comments.
Ndlela’s legal team has made it clear they are prepared to go to court in the event of failure to comply with their demands.
Nhlamulo Ndlela Responds to the Allegations during a Public Interview
Ndlela also appeared on the Face the Nation Podcast by SABC News to address the allegations made by Shivambu. Ndlela said that he was disappointed by Shivambu’s actions. He stated that these baseless accusations were not only damaging to him personally but also to the public discourse.
Ndlela stated that his actions and his integrity were always above reproach, and that false accusations were an attack on his reputation. He stressed the importance of confronting such falsehoods to avoid further damage. Ndlela said in the podcast that “the public must understand” that such claims made without proof could ruin lives.
Ndlela has thus positioned himself to be a leader who values transparency and accountability. The calm but firm response he gave to the defamation allegations helped reinforce his reputation as an honest and trustworthy leader.
The Importance Of Accountability In Public Discourse
Ndlela’s legal actions and the public response to them highlight a larger issue: accountability in public discourse. Shivambu and other public figures have an obligation to base their statements on verified facts and truth. False accusations, particularly when broadcast on national TV, can be harmful to both individuals and democratic processes.
Ndlela’s dispute has highlighted the importance of individuals being held accountable for their statements. This case serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of public statements and the potential consequences of abusing this power. Public figures must be aware of their impact on others. They can either enhance or destroy reputations within seconds.
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The dispute between Nhlamulo Ndlela and Floyd Shivambu serves as a reminder about the seriousness of false accusations. Ndlela’s swift and decisive response–backed by legal action and the sharing of concrete evidence–demonstrates his commitment to clearing his name and protecting his reputation. Shivambu, but also anyone else in the public eye who may spread damaging misinformation, will be held accountable if they do not retract and apologize publicly.
Shivambu’s compliance with legal demands and the possible legal consequences will be determined as this situation unfolds. No matter what the outcome is, the message remains the same: truth and accountability must be the core of all public discourse.
