ANC Defends Mchunu's Continued Role While He Takes Leave from Cabinet, South Africans Weigh In
- Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu allegedly indicated his willingness to step aside from organisational work in the ANC
- This comes after Mchunu was implicated in political interference allegations made by KZN provincial commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi
- The ANC said that it acknowledges Mchunu's cooperation with the Madlanga Commission and the ANC Integrity Commission
- Briefly News asked Sthembiso Mshengu, spokesperson for Minister Senzo Mchunu, to clarify which “organisational responsibilities” the minister will continue to fulfil
The African National Congress announced that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has agreed to step back from his organisational responsibilities following the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Source: Twitter
What did the ANC say?
In a statement shared on social media on Saturday, 8 November 2025, the party noted that Mchunu continues to work with both the Madlanga Commission and the ANC Integrity Commission. The ANC said that the National Executive Committee (NEC) reviewed the situation involving Mchunu and decided that he will remain involved in organisational work while taking special leave from his Cabinet duties.
The ANC stated that it would continue to monitor the situation and that the NEC would reconsider the matter if new developments required further action. The party said that any member facing criminal charges is expected to voluntarily step aside from their duties until the matter is resolved.
Briefly News asked Sthembiso Mshengu, spokesperson for Minister Senzo Mchunu, to outline the “organisational responsibilities” the minister will retain within the ANC during his special leave from Cabinet and to confirm whether the arrangement is limited to a specific timeframe. He said:
"Mr Mchunu is the convenor of ANC NEC deployees to the Eastern Cape Province and therefore has a responsibility of ensuring the the NEC decisions are carried out as given. He is also a member of the National working committee which is responsible for the day to day functionality of the organisation."
What did South Africans say?
Social media users shared their opinions regarding the statement
@Sibalukhul91101 said:
"Minister of police in the Republic of South Africa Mr Senzo Mchunu is a rare breed and he has done a tremendous job at Saps. Macingwane this too shall pass."
@Thethrive2024 said:
"He should resign from ministry of police if he has any integrity."
@Magatsheni90722 said:
"After you called him out publicly, we all know this decision wasn’t voluntary from him."
@JanBryne32880 said:
"Why does he have to volunteer instead of ANC instruct him to do soo. You are very soft when it comes to the elite who are allegedly in the wrong. But if it was someone else, you would have taken them to task very fast."
@JRVICCENTE_44 said:
"Also suggest to Mr Senzo Mchunu to resign as police minister, that will be the most responsible thing to do. We might also consider to give him a second chance."
@Oarabile656087 said:
"He should go face the music and dance to the tune. It's high time people get arrested for their wrong doing."
Source: Twitter
What you need to know about Mchunu
- The Minister of Police admitted that he knew Brown Mogotsi, despite initially telling Parliament that he didn’t know him.
- The Democratic Alliance opened a criminal case against Mchunu following Mkhwanazi’s allegations.
- The Public Protector launched a formal investigation against Mchunu following mounting pressure to act.
- Mchunu asked to be placed on special leave ahead of Ramaphosa’s address to the nation.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on leave and established a Commission of Inquiry.
Ramaphosa explains why he didn't fire Mchunu
Briefly News reported that President Ramaphosa explained why he didn't fire the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu.
The president also defended his decision to establish a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the allegations.
Source: Briefly News
