Statement by: People’s Assembly for Development 

25 Sept 2025

People’s Assembly for Development: Daily Maverick’s “Scandal” is Just Another Slow News Day

In a move that shocked absolutely no one outside the Daily Maverick newsroom, the paper’s latest “bombshell” claims that the Department of Social Development has quietly removed a 22-year-old Chief of Staff. Cue the outrage machine.

Let’s be honest: this isn’t Watergate. It isn’t even Nkandla. It’s HR. Departments reshuffle staff all the time to strengthen efficiency, align political mandates, and sharpen administration. But instead of applauding a government office for finally doing what critics always say it should — professionalizing — we’re fed another round of click-bait melodrama.

The Maverick would have you believe this is a grand conspiracy. In reality, it’s called governance. The Department of Social Development is reinforcing both its political and administrative arms so that vulnerable South Africans actually see better service delivery. That, apparently, doesn’t make for a juicy headline.

So here’s the real story:

The Department is streamlining operations.

It is prioritizing effective service delivery.

It is building stability in leadership structures.

If you strip away the spin, this is a positive step forward. But perhaps “Department quietly gets its house in order” doesn’t sell enough ads.

The People’s Assembly for Development dismisses this kind of reporting for what it is — propaganda disguised as watchdog journalism. South Africans deserve better than sensationalism. They deserve results. And strengthening leadership at Social Development is exactly how results will be delivered.

Until then, one wonders: what will the Maverick find scandalous next? The Department ordering new stationery?

Issued by People's Assembly for Development