Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who is currently on special leave, is under heavy criticism for not stepping down from his position. Many within and outside the ANC believe his resignation could have helped protect the party’s already damaged image.
Mchunu is linked to serious allegations of corruption and ties to criminal cartels. Despite this, he continues to enjoy full ministerial benefits at home. He also remains active in ANC work as a member of both the national executive committee (NEC) and the national working committee (NWC).
Critics argue that if Mchunu truly loved the ANC, he would have resigned by now. They say his refusal to step aside is a sign that his personal ambitions are more important than the future of the party.
Observers have compared Mchunu’s situation to that of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who refused to resign after the damaging Phala Phala scandal in 2022. That controversy hurt the ANC’s support in the 2024 elections, yet Ramaphosa still held onto power.
Others point to the example of former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize. In 2022, he resigned after being linked to the Digital Vibes scandal, even though he was never charged. Many saw his resignation as an act of responsibility and sacrifice for the ANC.
Mchunu, on the other hand, seems determined to hold onto his position despite far more serious allegations against him.
Some within the ANC believe that Mchunu’s refusal to resign is tied to his presidential ambitions. Reports suggest he was once viewed as Ramaphosa’s preferred successor. This could explain why he feels confident that the current Madlanga Commission of Inquiry will not remove him from politics.
But this stubbornness, critics warn, is damaging the ANC brand even further. They argue that scandals involving top leaders—such as Jacob Zuma’s long list of controversies and Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala cloud—have already weakened the party.
Now, with Mchunu in the spotlight, many fear the ANC will continue to lose voter trust. Instead of protecting the organisation, Mchunu appears ready to risk its future for his own ambitions.