Former Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela has rejected the findings of a Public Protector report alleging that she misled President Cyril Ramaphosa during the handover of an RDP house in 2023, insisting that Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka’s office was misinformed and failed to consider her written submissions.
The report, released nearly two months ago, found that Ntombela acted improperly by facilitating the allocation of a state-subsidized home to a woman named Lerato Ntsaku during an ANC Siyanqoba rally in Bloemfontein. According to the investigation, Ntombela allegedly misled the president into believing the handover was part of a legitimate government process.
“I Did Not Mislead the President”
In an emotional response, Ntombela denied any wrongdoing, stating she was “shocked” by the findings. “I cannot undermine the Public Protector like that, but I’m sure she was misinformed,” she said. “I would never mislead the president—it’s impossible.”
She claimed her side of the story was ignored, citing written correspondence and virtual meetings with investigators. “I responded, I wrote letters, I explained what happened. I don’t understand how this conclusion was reached.”
Ntombela admitted she intervened in the RDP allocation but insisted she acted within her capacity as premier to assist Zagu, who was in dire living conditions. “This lady came to me explaining her struggles. I saw houses in Hillside View that had been standing vacant long before I was premier, and I thought, ‘Let’s help her.’ The president couldn’t do it because it was an ANC event, not a government process.”
No Legal Challenge Despite “Reputational Damage”
Though Ntombela believes the report unfairly tarnished her reputation, she said she would not seek a judicial review. “I’m not interested in challenging it. Some battles you just let go, especially when you know you did nothing wrong,” she said. “Someone will answer for me—I know that somebody will.” When pressed on who she meant, she cryptically added, “God will answer.”
Human Settlements Department to Rectify Allocation
Meanwhile, the Free State Department of Human Settlements confirmed it would comply with the Public Protector’s July deadline to correct the wrongful allocation. Spokesperson said they had engaged with the deceased original beneficiary’s family and would follow legal procedures to reclaim the house. The department is also securing alternative housing for Ntsaku.
The Public Protector clarified that no remedial action applies to Ntombela since she no longer holds public office.
The controversy has reignited debates over political interference in housing allocations, with opposition parties calling for stricter oversight. For now, Ntombela maintains her innocence, leaving the matter to what she calls “divine judgment.”
