The African National Congress has confirmed that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu will continue carrying out his organisational duties within the party, despite facing a corruption investigation and offering to step aside.
Mchunu, who sits on both the ANC’s National Executive Committee and National Working Committee, has already appeared before Parliament’s ad hoc committee. However, he has yet to testify at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which was set up by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
According to ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu, Mchunu informed the party that he was willing to step back from organisational responsibilities following the announcement of the Commission. She said the ANC acknowledges his cooperation with both the Madlanga Commission and the ANC’s own Integrity Commission, describing this as consistent with the party’s values of accountability and discipline.
Bhengu added that the NEC had reviewed the circumstances surrounding the matter and decided that Mchunu would continue performing party duties while remaining on special leave from his ministerial role. She stressed that the party would monitor developments and revisit the issue if necessary.
The ANC reiterated its long-standing policy that once a member is formally criminally charged, they voluntarily step aside until their case is concluded — a principle the party says reflects its commitment to ethical leadership and transparency.
Meanwhile, Mchunu recently appointed Sithembiso Mshengu, a former ANC Youth League activist and political communicator, as his personal spokesperson. Mshengu will handle all media engagement related to Mchunu’s upcoming testimony before the Commission and Parliament.
The appointment comes as allegations continue to swirl around Mchunu, including claims that he maintained connections with suspected gang figures accused of using political ties to influence policing and judicial processes. These claims have deepened public scrutiny as he prepares for further appearances before investigative bodies.
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