Fana Mokoena, a former lawmaker for the Economic Freedom Fighters, has demanded that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu withdraw from the presidential run in 2027 in the wake of bombshell accusations that have linked him to criminal networks. KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of working with criminals, prompting Mokoena to make his remarks.
Shocking as they are, the claims have rekindled discussion about corruption and responsibility inside the African National Congress. Mokoena harshly attacked the ANC’s reaction to the claims in a statement, saying that any party with integrity would have taken significant action by this point. Mchunu would already be out of the running for 2027 if the ANC was a moral organisation, according to Mokoena. The Commission has eliminated any remaining evidence against him.
If the ANC was an upright organisation, Mchunu would already be out of the race for 2027. Whatever evidence is still left, the Commission has finished him. But this is the ANC. They’ll squeeze him back in somehow. For now though, he must step aside, save us that holiday salary
— Fana Mokoena (@fanamokoena) September 25, 2025
However, the African National Congress is to blame. In some way, they will be able to fit him back in. But for the time being, he needs to keep his distance so we can keep that holiday salary. Those who oppose the African National Congress (ANC) and believe that its top officials are immune to criticism are becoming increasingly frustrated, and Mokoena’s remarks reflect this.
Similar demands for Mchunu’s resignation have been made in the past in response to charges of corruption or misbehaviour involving other high-ranking officials. Former KwaZulu-Natal premier and long-time ANC member Mchunu has chosen to remain silent in response to Mokoena’s comments. The African National Congress (ANC) has been similarly mum, with party insiders speculating that they are gathering additional data before committing formally.
According to political experts, the ANC’s reputation might take a major hit if these claims pan out in the years leading up to the 2027 presidential election, when the party is already seeing a decline in support. According to one analyst, this is a crucial test for the ANC.
The party’s handling of the Mchunu scandal will demonstrate to the public how seriously it takes the need to repair its reputation. Mchunu is currently under increasing pressure to voluntarily step aside as investigations into the claims progress.