African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has confirmed that the party has approved suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s request for special leave from all party activities.
Speaking at a media briefing held in Johannesburg on Tuesday, Mbalula said the decision was made following Mchunu’s formal request, which had initially been denied by the party.
The ANC had previously stated that Mchunu would continue his organisational responsibilities despite facing a corruption investigation and expressing his willingness to step aside.
Mchunu, who is a member of both the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC), has already appeared before Parliament’s ad hoc committee. He is also expected to testify before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
He has been at the centre of serious allegations of corruption and political interference within the South African Police Service (SAPS), particularly concerning his controversial decision to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PTTT).
“The National Working Committee has recommended that Comrade Senzo Mchunu’s request for special leave from the activities of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the National Working Committee be granted,” said Mbalula.
He explained that the decision was made in line with the ANC’s “Guidelines and Procedures on the Implementation of the National Conference Resolutions on Credibility and Integrity,” which were adopted by the NEC in February 2021 and amended in April 2022.
According to these guidelines, any member who has been formally charged in court with corruption or other serious crimes must immediately step aside pending the finalisation of their case.
However, Mbalula clarified that Mchunu has not been formally indicted on any corruption or criminal charges.
“Accordingly, the specific provisions of paragraph 3.1.1 do not apply to him. However, this does not mean that he or any other member alleged to be involved in corrupt activities cannot voluntarily step aside or take special leave,” he said.
Mbalula also welcomed Mchunu’s acknowledgment of the public’s growing frustration with corruption and crime, adding that granting him leave was the most practical decision.
“In light of the commission’s work and what it requires of him, it is practically impossible not to agree to his request,” Mbalula said.
“This ensures he carries no undue burden, nor does the ANC, as we deal with these matters.”
Meanwhile, IOL News recently reported that Mchunu had appointed former ANC Youth League activist and political communicator Sithembiso Mshengu as his personal spokesperson. Mshengu will handle all media queries relating to Mchunu’s appearances before the Madlanga Commission and Parliament’s ad hoc committee.
Mchunu’s decision to appoint Mshengu comes amid increasing pressure and allegations linking him to notorious gang members who allegedly used political influence to interfere with policing and judicial processes.
