Ramaphosa Under Pressure as EFF, MK Party Demand Answers on Mchunu Leave

Mounting Pressure: EFF Threatens Legal Action, MK Party Demands Ramaphosa Resign

President Cyril Ramaphosa is under intense political fire after his decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave sparked backlash from opposition parties. The EFF has taken legal steps, while the MK Party has dramatically called on the president to resign by Friday.

Ramaphosa found himself at the centre of a political storm when he defended the move in Parliament during his Presidency budget vote speech. He maintained that the allegations against Mchunu, raised by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, were serious but still unproven.

“It is necessary that we establish the facts through an independent, credible and thorough process,” Ramaphosa told Parliament. “Some have said I should take immediate punitive steps against the Minister on the basis of untested allegations. Not only would this be unfair, but it would create a dangerous precedent.”

Despite this, the EFF has issued a legal letter to Ramaphosa, questioning the legality of the special leave and demanding clarity on Mchunu’s powers, pay, and the decision’s rationale. Represented by England Slabbert Attorneys, the EFF argued that the move is both unconstitutional and an abuse of taxpayer money, since Mchunu continues to draw a full ministerial salary.

“This decision allows Senzo Mchunu to continue drawing a full ministerial salary under the guise of ‘special leave,’” the letter states, warning Ramaphosa to respond by July 21 or face further legal action.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya has yet to respond to queries on whether Ramaphosa will contest the legal challenge.

MK Party Escalates: “Resign in Honour of Mandela”

Meanwhile, the MK Party has taken its own hardline stance, issuing a letter of demand calling for Ramaphosa’s resignation by Friday. The party condemned the president’s appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia as Acting Minister of Police, arguing that the academic is not a member of the National Assembly or Cabinet, and therefore constitutionally ineligible.

MK spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela invoked the legacy of Nelson Mandela, calling on Ramaphosa to step down “in honour of the founding commander-in-chief of uMkhonto weSizwe.”

“Should Ramaphosa fail to heed this call, we will pursue a range of lawful and peaceful actions, including a motion of no confidence, constitutional litigation, and rolling mass action,” Ndhlela said.

In Parliament, MK deputy president and MP John Hlophe unleashed a scathing attack, labelling Ramaphosa “a president broken beyond repair.” He referenced the still-unresolved Phala Phala scandal, where large sums of foreign cash were allegedly stolen from the president’s private game farm.

“You hide dollars like a hustler stashing stolen goods under a mattress,” Hlophe fired.

Hlophe also accused Ramaphosa of hypocrisy on corruption, claiming the president shields ANC allies like Mchunu while swiftly removing opposition-linked ministers such as the DA’s Andrew Whitfield.

DA Joins the Fray

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has also weighed in. DA deputy chief whip Baxolile Nodada confirmed that the party’s criminal complaint against Mchunu is being investigated by SAPS, with a senior Lieutenant Colonel assigned to the case.

“Misleading Parliament, lying, and fraudulent cover-ups cannot be tolerated. Parliament must demand accountability from the Executive,” said Nodada.

As pressure mounts from all corners of the political landscape, Ramaphosa now faces a triple threat, legal action, public protest, and Parliamentary challenge, all converging on his handling of the Mchunu matter.

Whether this becomes a defining political crisis or a storm he can weather remains to be seen.

{Source: IOL}

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