A sharp disagreement has surfaced within the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) after Member of Parliament Naledi Chirwa publicly criticised fellow party member Mbuyiseni Ndlozi for praising President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave.
Ndlozi, who has taken a less prominent role in recent political debates, recently described Ramaphosa’s move as “decisive” in a social media post and dismissed criticism of the president by saying, “go argue with the wall.”
Chirwa responded firmly, stating, “No. We won’t argue with a wall. We will argue with you,” directly challenging Ndlozi’s view. She accused Mchunu of lying to Parliament and said the evidence against him was clear enough to avoid a costly inquiry.
“Mchunu lied in Parliament. Proving that won’t require a commission of inquiry that might cost over a billion rand. The evidence is there for everyone to see,” she said.
Reviving strong language previously used by the EFF, Chirwa labelled Mchunu a “Constitutional Delinquent”—a term the party once used to describe former president Jacob Zuma. She also criticised Ramaphosa’s decision, questioning whether placing someone on special leave amounts to real accountability.
“Since when is ‘special leave’ a ‘decisive’ repercussion regarding consequence management for Constitutional Delinquents?” she asked.
Chirwa further expressed concern over serious allegations against Mchunu, including claims that he handed over elements of state security to criminal networks. “In the case of Senzo, he is accused of handing over a security function of the country to thugs,” she added.
The clash between Chirwa and Ndlozi has highlighted deeper divisions within the EFF’s leadership, especially on how to respond to allegations of misconduct in government. While Ndlozi viewed the president’s action as a positive move, Chirwa dismissed it as insufficient and symbolic.
This public dispute has sparked wider debate about how political leaders address corruption and whether disciplinary actions like special leave bring real consequences or merely serve as political cover.
With pressure growing on Ramaphosa to act decisively, and with opposition voices now split, the future of Senzo Mchunu—and the unity within parties like the EFF—remains uncertain.
