Mixed Responses to President Ramaphosa’s Choice to Place Police Minister on Special Leave

Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to grant Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who faces corruption allegations, a “leave of absence” has sparked mixed reactions from various organizations and political groups.

Mchunu has pledged his full cooperation with the inquiry commission investigating allegations of misconduct made against him by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi has accused the police minister of engaging in corruption, interfering with investigations, and having ties to organized crime.

In reaction to President Ramaphosa’s move, the South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) praised the establishment of a judicial commission aimed at examining claims against Minister Mchunu, senior police officials, the judiciary, and criminal syndicates.

SAUCIC stated, “President Ramaphosa has demonstrated true leadership by taking decisive steps to uphold the rule of law and good governance.”

“He understands that restoring the integrity of the South African Police Service (SAPS) should never be compromised for political advantage, nor should it set a precedent where chaos infiltrates law enforcement and the justice system,” remarked SAUCIC President Cardinal Archbishop Dr. Modiri Patrick Shole.

John Steenhuisen, leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Agriculture Minister in the Government of National Unity, recognized the President’s action but warned that “commissions are meaningful only when they result in genuine consequences.”

Steenhuisen highlighted that the allegations raised by Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi strike at the heart of South Africa’s criminal justice system, implicating high-ranking law enforcement, prosecutorial, intelligence, and even executive officials in organized crime and systemic corruption.

“Although we deem the leave of absence for the Minister of Police a necessary step, it’s crucial to note that this occurred only after continuous pressure from the DA and public outcry,” stated Steenhuisen.

“These allegations gave the President an opportunity to exhibit strong and decisive leadership.”

“Nonetheless, he has once again delegated executive responsibility to a commission, and citizens have grown wary of discussions, task teams, and commissions that they perceive as delaying tactics that deflect accountability.”

Steenhuisen emphasized that the DA will not accept a prolonged process that only gathers incriminating evidence without ensuring accountability.

Amnesty International South Africa’s Executive Director, Shenilla Mohamed, commented on the situation: “We reiterate our call for these allegations to be treated with the seriousness and urgency they warrant.”

Amnesty International also asserted: “The South African public is tired of costly commissions that drag on without yielding accountability.”

“The mere formation of another commission underlines failures in our justice system and state institutions.”

“We need to witness concrete actions to combat crime rather than excessive processes that delay justice.”

Amnesty International insisted that President Ramaphosa possesses the capacity and authority to swiftly and effectively tackle corruption within the government.

“Failure to act will severely impact the rights of South African citizens,” Mohamed noted.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) expressed their discontent with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s choice to place Minister Senzo Mchunu on “special leave” rather than removing him from office entirely.

The EFF stated: “This so-called ‘special leave’ is a disgraceful diversion aimed at shielding a corrupt Minister whose involvement in organized crime has been exposed by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.”

The EFF rejected the “legally and constitutionally unfounded decision” by the President to appoint an acting Minister of Police who is not a current Cabinet member.

“This is a clear violation of Section 98 of the Constitution, which states: ‘The President may delegate to a Minister any power or function of another Minister who is absent or unable to perform their duties.’”

“This provision indicates that only a serving Minister can assume the responsibilities of another.”

“The Constitution does not permit the appointment of an acting Minister from outside the Cabinet.”

In appointing Professor Firoz Cachalia to act as Police Minister, President Ramaphosa cited Section 91(3)(c) of the Constitution, which allows: “The President may choose no more than two Ministers from outside the Assembly.”

However, the EFF argued that: “Clearly, this section does not apply to the appointment of an ‘acting’ Minister and does not authorize appointing an ‘acting’ Minister from outside the National Assembly.”

“Thus, the President’s decision is not only unlawful but also a willful breach of the supreme law of the land.”

“This ruling is not just illegal; it is also a blatant misuse of state resources.”

“It enables Senzo Mchunu to continue receiving a full ministerial salary under the guise of ‘special leave’ while the President unlawfully enlarges the Cabinet by appointing someone ineligible for that position.”

The EFF has threatened legal action unless the appointment of Cachalia is revoked.

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) condemned President Ramaphosa’s “grossly unconstitutional, politically dubious, financially burdensome, and cowardly announcement made last night.”

“For these reasons, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party urges Ramaphosa to retract his announcement by no later than 10:00 on Wednesday, July 16, 2025,” the MKP stated.

“If he does not comply, we will actively pursue this matter in the courts, in Parliament, and on the streets of South Africa.”

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) expressed its “strong opposition to the ongoing delays and ineffectiveness of the commission set up to investigate serious allegations regarding our law enforcement agencies.”

“While we acknowledge the decision to remove Minister Senzo Mchunu, we emphatically reject his leave of absence.”

“We demand his immediate dismissal for misleading Parliament and improperly involving himself in the operational matters of the SAPS.”

“Such conduct is unbecoming of a Minister and constitutes a breach of trust that necessitates decisive action to preserve the integrity of our law enforcement agencies.”

“Additionally, we urge National Police Commissioner General Masemola to exercise his authority to suspend General Sibiya.”

General Sibiya has been accused of acting on Minister Mchunu’s orders to dismantle the unit investigating politically motivated murders.

“The authority to appoint and remove deputy and provincial commissioners rests with the National Police Commissioner, and we insist he use this power to ensure our police force remains free from corruption and misconduct,” the ATM stated.

Regarding the timeline for the judicial commission of inquiry, President Ramaphosa indicated that it is expected to deliver interim reports within three months, with another report at six months.

The final report will be submitted to the President, the Speaker of the National Assembly, and the Chief Justice of South Africa.

In the meantime, the Speaker of the National Assembly has also instructed three parliamentary committees to investigate the allegations against Minister Mchunu.