The African National Congress has granted suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s request for special leave from all party activities, in a sudden turnaround from the party’s earlier statement that he would continue his organisational duties despite facing corruption allegations.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula confirmed the decision during a media briefing in Johannesburg on Tuesday afternoon, acknowledging that the party’s National Working Committee had approved Mchunu’s request to step aside from both the National Executive Committee and National Working Committee pending ongoing investigations.
The announcement comes after the ANC initially denied reports that Mchunu had sought special leave, with party leadership previously maintaining he would remain active in organisational matters while facing a corruption probe.
“The National Working Committee has recommended that Comrade Senzo Mchunu’s request for special leave from the activities of the National Executive Committee and the National Working Committee be granted,” Mbalula stated during the briefing.
Mchunu, who holds influential positions on both the ANC’s NEC and NWC, has become a lightning rod for controversy over allegations of corruption and political interference within the South African Police Service. The suspended minister has already faced questioning before Parliament’s ad hoc committee but is yet to appear before the critical Madlanga Commission of Inquiry established by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The corruption allegations center particularly on Mchunu’s controversial directive to disband the Political Killings Task Team, raising questions about potential political interference in law enforcement operations.
Mbalula clarified that while the ANC’s integrity guidelines require members to step aside when formally indicted on corruption charges, Mchunu has not been criminally charged. However, he stated that this does not prevent voluntary withdrawal from party duties.
“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,” Mbalula explained.
The ANC leadership appears to have been swayed by practical considerations surrounding Mchunu’s upcoming commission appearance. Mbalula acknowledged that the demands of the inquiry process made it “practically impossible” to deny the minister’s request.
“In light of the commission’s work and what it requires of him, it is practically impossible not to agree to his request,” he said. “This ensures he carries no undue burden, nor does the ANC, as we deal with these matters.”
The decision suggests growing concern within ANC ranks about the political fallout from the corruption allegations, particularly as the party faces mounting public pressure over crime and governance issues.
In a move signaling the seriousness of his legal predicament, Mchunu recently appointed former ANC Youth League activist Sithembiso Mshengu as his personal spokesperson to handle all media queries related to his commission appearance and parliamentary testimony.
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The appointment comes amid intensifying allegations that Mchunu maintained inappropriate relationships with “notorious gang members” who allegedly exploited political connections to influence policing and judicial processes.
Mbalula welcomed Mchunu’s public acknowledgment of frustration over crime and corruption, suggesting the party views his withdrawal as an opportunity to demonstrate commitment to accountability while managing potential reputational damage.
The special leave arrangement allows Mchunu to focus on his legal challenges while providing the ANC with political distance from the unfolding corruption probe. The decision reflects the delicate balancing act facing the governing party as it navigates multiple corruption scandals while attempting to maintain credibility with voters increasingly concerned about governance failures.
The Madlanga Commission’s findings could prove pivotal not only for Mchunu’s political future but for broader questions about the extent of political interference in South Africa’s law enforcement agencies.
