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Ramaphosa, Cyril

Senzo Mchunu's Presidential Ambition Undeterred by Scandal

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

South African Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's ambitions for the African National Congress (ANC) presidency remain intact despite the scandal surrounding his association with alleged criminal syndicates. Mchunu, who has been serving on special leave pending the outcome of the Ad Hoc Committee and the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, has not denied the allegations, which were revealed by his counterpart, Police Minister Bheki Cele, at the parliament's Ad Hoc Committee.

Cele's testimony exposed a damning proximity between Mchunu and Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, who is a subject of a criminal investigation. Matlala allegedly told Cele that he had planned to fund Mchunu's campaign to become either president or deputy president. The scandal has raised questions about Mchunu's fitness to lead the ANC and the country, but he still enjoys support from certain regions in KwaZulu-Natal.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senzo Mchunu's ambitions for the ANC presidency remain intact despite the scandal surrounding his association with alleged criminal syndicates.
  • Mchunu's communication team has denied any involvement with Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, citing that he had initiated a review of the SAPS tender awarded to Matlala when suspicions of possible wrongdoing surfaced.
  • Five regions in KwaZulu-Natal, including Nokuhamba Nyawo (Jozini), Musa Dladla (Empangeni), Okhahlamba (Bergville), KwaDukuza (Stanger), and Moses Mabhida (Pietermaritzburg), want Mchunu to succeed President Cyril Ramaphosa.
  • ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri and KwaZulu-Natal ANC spokesperson Fanle Sibisi are unaware of Mchumu's ambition for the ANC presidency.
  • Mchunu's political rise through the ANC ranks has earned him the support of some ANC leaders, including a senior leader from Moses Mabhida region, who believes that he has the qualities to lead the ANC.

Statistics:

  • The SAPS tender awarded to Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala was valued at R360 million.
  • 5 regions in KwaZulu-Natal support Mchunu's ambition for the ANC presidency.
  • Senzo Mchunu has been Police Minister since 2019.
  • Cyril Ramaphosa's term as President will end in 2029, and the 2027 ANC conference will elect the next President or Deputy President.
  • The ANC presidency is seen as a stepping stone for the eventual state presidency.

Sources:

  • "Suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu could still vie for ANC presidency" by Bongani Hans, published on [date unknown].
  • "Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's ambition for ANC presidency revealed by counterpart Bheki Cele" by Bongani Hans, published on [date unknown].
  • "ANC leader supports Senzo Mchunu for president despite scandal" by Bongani Hans, published on [date unknown].
  • "SAPPS official could become ANC president" by Bongani Hans, published on [date unknown].
  • "Cele: 'I was expecting Senzo to be elected ANC deputy president in 2022'" by Bongani Hans, published on [date unknown].

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