ANC
The ANC has granted Senzo Mchunu special leave from party duties as investigations into alleged corruption and interference at the South African Police Service intensify. The move, seen as a U-turn by the party, has sparked debate about consistency in enforcing its integrity and accountability rules.
The African National Congress has granted Senzo Mchunu special leave from his duties in the National Executive Committee and National Working Committee as pressure mounts over allegations of corruption and political interference at the South African Police Service. The decision marks a shift from the party’s earlier stance and reflects growing calls for accountability within its ranks.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula confirmed the decision during a media briefing in Johannesburg, saying the party had accepted Mchunu’s request for special leave to allow ongoing investigations to proceed without compromising the organisation’s integrity.
Mbalula emphasised that while Mchunu has not been indicted, the move was guided by the ANC’s Integrity and Credibility Guidelines, which encourage members to step aside when facing serious allegations that could harm the party’s image.
He said the party welcomed Mchunu’s voluntary step to temporarily withdraw from active participation in party structures. “Comrade Senzo made a request to take special leave, and the National Working Committee has accepted it in the spirit of transparency and accountability,” Mbalula said.
Mchunu’s decision comes amid a deepening probe into claims that he interfered with the South African Police Service’s internal investigations and the disbanding of the Political Killings Task Team. He has publicly denied the allegations, insisting that his record in public service reflects a consistent stance against corruption both in government and the private sector.
The controversy has placed the ANC in a delicate position as it navigates its step-aside rule, which was designed to protect the party’s credibility but has often been applied inconsistently. Analysts say the party’s decision to grant Mchunu special leave instead of enforcing suspension highlights an ongoing tension between political loyalty and institutional integrity.
