Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has criticized President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership style within the Government of National Unity (GNU). Speaking in Cape Town, Steenhuisen said GNU partners were not consulted before Ramaphosa placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave.
The move comes after KZN police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi claimed criminal syndicates had infiltrated the justice system, causing widespread concern. Steenhuisen argued that the situation required joint decision-making, not unilateral actions.
“We’re supposed to be in a unity government, which means decisions should be made together—not announced to us through press conferences,” Steenhuisen said. He accused the president of disregarding the principles of shared governance.
Within Parliament, frustration is growing. An unnamed DA MP said, “We find out about decisions on the news like everyone else. That’s not governance—it’s a performance.”
Public trust in law enforcement is already weak, and political divisions are making matters worse. Recent crime statistics reveal over 11,000 rapes were reported in South Africa in early 2025, yet conviction rates remain low.
A community activist from Alexandra said, “We keep hearing about syndicates in the system, but when a minister is removed, we don’t know if it’s solving anything or just more politics.”
Ramaphosa has not directly responded to Steenhuisen’s comments. His office stated the president acted “in the national interest” and would provide updates soon.
For many South Africans, the concern is not just political conflict but the lack of progress on critical issues.
An ANC councillor from Tembisa said, “We need stability and real action. Fighting crime and corruption requires unity, not power struggles.”
