The African National Congress (ANC) has confirmed that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu will continue performing his organisational duties within the party despite being under investigation for alleged corruption.
Mchunu, who serves on both the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC), has already appeared before Parliament’s ad hoc committee but has not yet taken the stand before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to probe allegations of misconduct and corruption within state institutions.
In a statement released on Wednesday, ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu confirmed that Mchunu had “indicated his willingness to step aside from organisational work” following the Commission’s announcement. However, the NEC resolved that he would continue participating in internal party activities while on leave from his Cabinet post.
“The National Executive Committee (NEC) discussed the circumstances surrounding Comrade Mchunu’s matter and, consistent with the provisions of the ANC Constitution and established policy on such matters, agreed that he would continue to perform organisational tasks while on special leave from his Cabinet responsibilities,” Bhengu said.
She added that the party’s leadership acknowledged Mchunu’s cooperation with both the Madlanga Commission and the ANC Integrity Commission, saying this was “in line with the movement’s values of accountability, discipline, and respect for due process.”
Bhengu noted that the ANC would continue monitoring developments in Mchunu’s case and would “revisit its discussion should new developments arise that warrant further consideration.”
“As a movement rooted in renewal and ethical leadership, the ANC reiterates that once a member is criminally charged, they voluntarily step aside from their responsibilities until the conclusion of such matters,” Bhengu said.
She added that this long-standing position reflected “the organisation’s enduring commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability.”
Internal handling amid corruption probe
Mchunu’s decision to cooperate with the Commission and the Integrity Commission comes as he faces growing scrutiny over alleged ties to criminal networks. Reports have linked him to individuals described as “notorious gang members” accused of using political connections to influence policing and judicial processes.
While Mchunu has not been criminally charged, the allegations have raised questions about his relationship with figures said to have benefited from proximity to state power.
According to party insiders, the NEC’s decision reflects a balancing act between protecting the integrity of the ANC’s internal processes and avoiding prejudging members before the conclusion of legal proceedings.
Appointment of spokesperson amid pressure
Last week, it was reported that Mchunu had appointed Sithembiso Mshengu, a former ANC Youth League activist and political communicator, as his personal spokesperson.
Mshengu is expected to handle all media queries relating to Mchunu’s upcoming testimony before the Madlanga Commission and Parliament’s ad hoc committee. His appointment, however, has fuelled speculation about the minister’s political positioning amid increasing public scrutiny.
Insiders say the move was aimed at ensuring a coordinated communication strategy ahead of what is expected to be a highly publicised appearance before the Commission.
ANC’s balancing act
The ANC’s decision to allow Mchunu to continue performing internal duties comes amid ongoing efforts by the governing party to demonstrate a renewed commitment to ethical leadership while maintaining internal stability.
Under its step-aside policy, ANC members who are formally charged in a court of law are required to voluntarily vacate their positions until their legal matters are concluded. However, those under investigation or facing allegations — as in Mchunu’s case — are not automatically suspended from all party functions.
This distinction has often drawn criticism from political observers and civil society organisations, who argue that the policy is inconsistently applied and leaves room for interpretation.
Nevertheless, Bhengu maintained that the party’s approach was consistent with its constitution and its emphasis on fairness and due process.
“The ANC acknowledges Comrade Mchunu’s continued cooperation with the Madlanga Commission and the Integrity Commission,” she said. “The organisation remains committed to renewal, integrity, and accountability, even as it allows processes to unfold without undue interference.”
Awaiting the Commission
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is currently investigating allegations of corruption and abuse of power within South Africa’s law enforcement and intelligence sectors. Mchunu, who was suspended from his ministerial duties pending the outcome of the probe, is expected to provide key testimony in the coming weeks.
Although the Commission has yet to release any findings, its proceedings have already placed senior government officials under intense scrutiny.
The ANC has reiterated that it will reassess Mchunu’s standing once the Commission’s findings are made public or should any criminal charges be laid against him.
For now, the suspended minister will remain active in party affairs — a move that highlights the ANC’s delicate balancing act between enforcing accountability and preserving internal unity as it continues navigating corruption scandals ahead of crucial political milestones.
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