Mampara of the Week: Lumka Oliphant

While Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini may not have been drunk when addressing a recent event, one wonders at the state of mind of her spokeswoman, Lumka Oliphant. With a defender like her, who needs enemies?

Her avalanche of profanities in the minister's "defence" did more to harm her principal's image than any number of reports on the minister's acquaintance (or not) with the demon drink.

Adding to the debacle, Oliphant was said to have apologised, only for a second flurry from her denying doing anything of the sort. Even without alcohol, someone seems punch-drunk here.