KZN Premier expresses concern over Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi's contract renewal delay

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli says he is worried about delays in finalising the contract renewal of provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, whose current term expires at the end of March.

Ntuli said he was concerned that National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola had not moved quickly enough to formalise the extension, despite earlier indications of support.

Mkhwanazi, known for his tough stance on crime, told Parliament’s ad hoc committee on Thursday that he is willing to serve another five-year term.

He was the last witness to testify before the committee as it wrapped up its investigation into the alleged rot in the police service.

Speaking to Newzroom Afrika on Thursday evening, Ntuli clarified that provincial commissioners are appointed by the national commissioner in consultation with provincial premiers.

He revealed the consultation took place in December 2024, when Masemola indicated his intention to renew Mkhwanazi’s contract.

“We were in agreement, and that is a good thing. I gave my concurrence to the renewal of the contract,” Ntuli said.

However, he stressed that the contract is set to expire at the end of March and that certainty is needed.

“Stability and security in any province give confidence to investors, support economic growth and create opportunities for our people,” he said.

Ntuli said he had followed up on the matter and met Masemola in Cape Town, where discussions remained positive. 

Still, he expressed concern about the lack of formalisation as the deadline approaches.

“It leaves uncertainty, which is not a good space for the people of KwaZulu-Natal,” he said.

He added that there is strong support across the province for Mkhwanazi’s renewal, pointing to the need for continued progress in fighting crime.

When asked whether the delay signalled deeper issues, Ntuli said he remained confident the contract would be renewed.

“From the side of General Masemola, I am confident. Our last engagement was progressive, and from the onset he indicated his intention to renew the contract,” he said.

Ntuli emphasised that finalising the process before the current term ends would provide clarity for both Masemola and Mkhwanazi.

“The uncertainty may not only be on the part of the national commissioner but also on the part of the commissioner, who must decide whether to accept the renewal,” he said.

Mkhwanazi’s appearance before the parliamentary committee follows his high-profile media briefing on July 6, 2025, which triggered an inquiry into alleged corruption, political interference and institutional capture within the South African Police Service (SAPS) 

During that briefing, he implicated several senior officials, including suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and suspended deputy national commissioner for crime detection Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya.

Ntuli said it would be “quite unfortunate” if Mkhwanazi’s contract were not renewed, pointing to the importance of consistent leadership.

“The leadership provided by a police officer of integrity is very important for our province,” he said.

He added that public trust in the police had improved, saying that officers were taking action even against wrongdoing within their own ranks.

“When you analyse quarterly statistics, most crime categories in KwaZulu-Natal are decreasing, which is a positive sign,” Ntuli said.

He said stronger co-operation between communities, safety structures and law enforcement would further strengthen crime-fighting efforts.

“That is why, as the province, we are saying it is important to bring certainty and conclude the process of the contract renewal,” he said.

Masemola has since confirmed that Mkhwanazi will remain in his post for another five-year term, with final details still being finalised.

“He is prepared to serve. We are finalising the details,” Masemola told the committee on Wednesday.

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