‘No 2027 bid’: Senzo Mchunu’s camp hits back at rumours

The spokesperson for suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has denied suggestions that Mchunu’s decision to take special leave from ANC duties is a strategic move to clear his name ahead of a potential bid for the ANC presidency in 2027.

Mchunu, a member of both the ANC's National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC), is facing allegations of corruption and political interference within the South African Police Service (SAPS). 

These accusations particularly focus on his instruction to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PTTT).

Sthembiso Mshengu, appointed recently as Mchunu's personal spokesperson to handle media queries related to his legal woes, insisted that the former minister's current focus is solely on preparing for his appearance before the high-stakes Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

This comes as speculation mounts within the ANC’s ranks, with internal sources suggesting Mchunu's request for special leave serves a dual purpose, saying he has been freeing up time to prepare his defence against corruption allegations and simultaneously allowing him to quietly launch a campaign for the party’s top job in 2027.

Mshengu strongly pushed back against this narrative, clarifying the nature of Mchunu's absence from party structures.

“Mr Mchunu has not stepped aside but has just been placed on special leave by the president (Cyril Ramaphosa) and recently by the ANC,” Mshengu said.

He said that Mchunu has not engaged in any political manoeuvring regarding the upcoming elective conference.

“The ANC national processes for the 2027 elective conference have not yet been officially declared as to who will be contesting,” Mshengu said. 

“So until it has been open to the ANC members, structures should follow due process. This is not a beauty contest.”

Mshengu stressed that Mchunu has maintained a distance from any succession discussions, despite the rumours. 

“As things stand, Mr Mchunu has never met with anyone, whether it's a branch, region, or anything regarding the succession battle.”

While acknowledging that some individuals might be campaigning on Mchunu’s behalf, Mshengu emphasised the need to respect the party’s leadership structures. 

“Yes, we hear that there are people going around campaigning for him… but we say the leadership of the national office must be respected.”

According to Mshengu, any decision regarding a future political contest would be made only once the official ANC processes open up. 

“The day the leadership in the office of the ANC opens up the succession battle… it would be up to him (Mchunu) to decline or accept… for now he is preparing to focus on the Madlanga Commission.”

Mshengu reiterated this singular focus, stating that, like anyone facing a commission of inquiry, Mchunu is deeply engaged in preparation.

“… and like anyone who is going into a commission, he is preparing because the country eagerly awaits what he will say in that commission. So for now, that's what he is concerned about,” Mshengu said.

Mchunu’s special leave request was formally granted by the ANC’s NWC, a decision confirmed by ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula at a media briefing on Tuesday afternoon. 

The confirmation followed earlier denials from the party, which had previously indicated that Mchunu would continue his organisational duties despite the corruption probe and his willingness to step aside.

Mbalula said that Mchunu was not compelled to step aside under the ANC’s “Guidelines and Procedures on the Implementation of the National Conference Resolutions on Credibility and Integrity”, as he 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 stated. He added, however, that Mchunu had the right to voluntarily take special leave.

Mbalula indicated that Mchunu's heavy commitment to the Madlanga Commission was the practical reason for granting the leave. 

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

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

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