Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has reportedly asked President Cyril Ramaphosa to place him on special leave, according to senior government sources. The request comes just days before the president is set to deliver a pivotal national address that may determine the fate of his Cabinet.
Insiders reveal that Mchunu made the appeal during a private meeting this week, citing the ongoing fallout from high-profile intelligence leaks and mounting public pressure for accountability in the security sector. While Mchunu maintains his innocence, he reportedly believes a temporary step-aside would protect the integrity of his office and prevent further distractions during a critical political moment.
The timing intensifies pressure on Ramaphosa, who faces growing demands to act decisively against underperforming and scandal-linked ministers ahead of the 2026 elections. Critics have long accused the president of delaying accountability for allies embroiled in governance failures and ANC factional disputes.
An anonymous ANC National Executive Committee member noted the dilemma: “Accepting Mchunu’s request sets a precedent; rejecting it risks perceptions of shielding insiders.”
Civil society groups welcomed the move as a step toward accountability, though some argue it doesn’t go far enough. The Presidency has yet to comment, but Ramaphosa may address the issue in his scheduled Sunday evening speech.
With South Africans anticipating signs of a long-overdue Cabinet reshuffle, Mchunu’s request has heightened scrutiny on whether Ramaphosa will finally take decisive action—or defer reform once more.
