Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu has dismissed a legal challenge from the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) demanding his resignation, calling the move unfounded and politically driven.
Speaking outside Parliament, Mchunu stated that the ANC’s step-aside rule does not apply to him because he has not been formally charged with any crime.
“You can’t build a case on political rumors,” Mchunu said. “This challenge has no legal basis—it’s purely speculative and opportunistic.”
The MKP filed a complaint arguing that Mchunu should step down due to unresolved allegations involving tender irregularities from his time in KwaZulu-Natal. The party claims the ANC’s step-aside policy should force him to leave office while investigations unfold.
But Mchunu countered that the rule only applies after an official charge is filed—not based on allegations or public pressure.
“There’s no charge, no case number, and no court summons,” he said. “The law doesn’t change for political stunts.”
The ANC’s step-aside policy requires members facing serious criminal charges to temporarily leave their posts. Legal experts confirm that investigations alone do not trigger the rule.
Analysts say the MKP’s move may be less about legal merit and more about influencing public opinion ahead of key parliamentary discussions.
Mchunu remains firm, vowing to stay in his role unless legitimate charges emerge.
“If real charges are brought, I’ll follow the law. But I won’t step aside over baseless claims,” he said.
The court will review the MKP’s application in the coming weeks, but Mchunu’s stance is clear: without evidence, there’s no case.