Senzo Mchunu’s Leave Sparks Outrage: ‘Paid Political Holiday’ or Presidential Shield?

Cartel claims, cushy perks, and Ramaphosa’s silence deepen police ministry scandal

South Africa’s police ministry is reeling and not just because of cartel allegations or suspended task teams. The real storm is political: Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has been placed on fully paid leave, and critics are calling it what it is, a “paid political holiday”.

That’s the phrase used by constitutional law expert Willie Spies, who, like many others, is stunned by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to keep Mchunu on the public payroll while allegations swirl around his name.

The Scandal That Sparked It All

The controversy erupted when KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of meddling in sensitive investigations, including a coordinated effort to disband the province’s political killings task team. Mkhwanazi claimed that the unit, which was probing over 120 dockets, was abruptly shut down in March after pressure from the top.

The commissioner didn’t just throw out vague claims. He handed over WhatsApp messages, SAPS documents, and cellphone records implicating Mchunu, Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, and a so-called “information peddler” from North West, Brown Mogotsi, in a high-level plot to derail investigations into politically motivated murders.

Ramaphosa Responds… Sort Of

In response, Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on “special leave,” appointed Gwede Mantashe as acting police minister, and announced a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the matter.

But that hasn’t satisfied critics or the public.

“This isn’t accountability. It’s a holiday with blue lights and benefits,” said Spies, speaking to IOL News.

And he’s not alone in his criticism.

Political analyst Goodenough Mashego believes Ramaphosa is protecting loyalists rather than taking real disciplinary action.

“Putting Mchunu on leave while keeping him in Parliament and on full ministerial perks sends the wrong message,” said Mashego. “He’s not at home in reflection. He’s still part of the machine—just not doing the work.”

A Minister, But Not Really

Despite the leave, Mchunu remains an MP. He still draws a minister’s salary, enjoys access to ministerial housing and security perks, but doesn’t sit on any parliamentary committees. His only job, it seems, is to show up to plenary sessions or send an apology if he doesn’t.

“It’s legal, but tone-deaf,” said Spies, noting that Zwelini Mkhize was treated the same way during the Digital Vibes scandal in 2021.

For Mashego, the biggest contradiction lies in the dual role:

“How can Mchunu hold the executive accountable in Parliament when he’s technically still part of it? It’s like putting the accused on the jury.”

EFF, MK, and the Public Want More

Opposition parties, including the EFF and uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, have called for Mchunu’s outright dismissal, arguing that the Constitution doesn’t recognise a minister being placed on “special leave.” They say Ramaphosa is tiptoeing around his ally instead of taking bold action.

On social media, public frustration is boiling over.

“We’re paying R2.5 million+ a year for someone to do nothing. Meanwhile, police stations have no fuel or paper. This is absurd,” one user tweeted under the hashtag #MchunuMustGo.

Political Perks vs Public Service

In a time when South Africans are grappling with rising crime, load shedding, and a crumbling public sector, the idea of a minister being rewarded with time off and perks, despite damning allegations, is infuriating to many.

Critics say it’s time for the President to show backbone, not just shuffle portfolios.

“The most responsible course of action,” Spies said, “would be to reshuffle the Cabinet and remove Mchunu entirely—at least until he’s cleared.”

What Happens Next?

For now, Gwede Mantashe, who’s also juggling his Mineral Resources portfolio, is leading the police ministry. Professor Firoz Cachalia is expected to step in on 1 August, despite some constitutional concerns raised by opposition parties about his appointment.

But for everyday South Africans, the bigger question remains: What does this moment say about the leadership we have and the priorities they protect?

{Source: IOL}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com