Mchunu granted special leave as ANC moves to manage corruption fallout

African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has confirmed that the party has granted suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s request for special leave from party activities.

Mbaula said this in a media briefing on Tuesday afternoon, in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

This follows earlier denials from the party after Mchunu requested to take special leave. 

The ANC had previously said that Mchunu would continue his organisational duties despite facing a corruption probe and expressing his willingness to step aside.

Mchunu, who serves on the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC), has already appeared before Parliament’s ad hoc committee but has yet to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

He has been at the centre of allegations of corruption and political interference within the South African Police Service (SAPS), particularly over his directive to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PTTT).

“The National Working Committee has recommended that Comrade Senzo Mchunu’s request for special leave from the activities of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the National Working Committee be granted,” Mbalula said.

He added that the ANC’s “Guidelines and Procedures on the Implementation of the National Conference Resolutions on Credibility and Integrity,” adopted by the NEC in February 2021 and amended in April 2022, govern such matters.

“Paragraph 3.1.1 provides that a member, office-bearer or public representative who has been indicted to appear in a court of law on a charge of corruption or other serious crimes must immediately step aside pending the finalisation of their case,” Mbalula said.

He clarified that Mchunu has not been indicted on any corruption or serious criminal charges.

“Accordingly, the specific provisions of paragraph 3.1.1 do not apply to him,” Mbalula said. 

“However, this does not mean that he or any other member alleged to be involved in corrupt activities cannot voluntarily step aside or take special leave.”

Mbalula said the ANC welcomed Mchunu’s statement acknowledging the public’s frustration with crime and corruption.

“In light of the commission’s work and what it requires of him, it is practically impossible not to agree to his request,” he said. 

“That has guided the National Working Committee to grant comrade Senzo’s request to take special leave from party work and the National Executive Committee, pending ongoing processes. This ensures he carries no undue burden, nor does the ANC, as we deal with these matters.”

Last week, IOL News reported that Mchunu had appointed former ANC Youth League activist and political communicator Sithembiso Mshengu as his personal spokesperson. 

Mshengu will handle all media queries related to Mchunu’s upcoming appearance before the Madlanga Commission and his testimony before Parliament’s ad hoc committee.

Mchunu’s appointment of Mshengu comes amid growing pressure over allegations that he was “in cahoots with notorious gang members” accused of exploiting political connections to influence policing and judicial processes.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL Politics