S Africans are tired of ineffective commissions: Steenhuisen

[FILE IMAGE]: Police Minister Senzo Mchunu during a media briefing.

DA leader John Steenhuisen says Government of National Unity (GNU) members were not consulted in the decisions taken by President Cyril Ramaphosa over allegations of law enforcement agencies being infiltrated by criminal syndicates.

Ramaphosa has decided to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence and to establish a judicial commission of inquiry into the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Commissioner of Police Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Steenhuisen says South Africans are tired of ineffective commissions of inquiry.

“I think South Africans have grown somewhat skeptical of commissions of inquiry. We are now almost two years down the track from the release of the Zondo Commission report without a single high-profile conviction. And so, I think the President took the right step this evening with the suspension but the other question that remains unanswered is around the others in the cabinet who have very very serious charges hanging over their heads but who remain in their positions. I think a lot of South Africans are going to be asking themselves this evening, what is now the new measure that is used to determine whether people remain in the cabinet. Many South Africans are asking themselves the questions about Ministers Nkabane and Simelane”

[WATCH]
DA leader John Steenhuisen welcomes the suspension of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu but notes that South Africans are tired of commissions of inquiry. pic.twitter.com/eyLUhUCImT

— SABC News (@SABCNews) July 13, 2025

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has accused the President of indecisiveness.

He has also noted with concern that Ramaphosa did not consult with GNU members in his decisions regarding the judicial commission of inquiry and the placement of Minister Mchunu on leave of absence with immediate effect.

Mashaba says Ramaphosa was in the first instance concerned about his political survival.

Mchunu has since said he accepts and supports the decisions of President Ramaphosa.

Mchunu has released a statement saying he welcomes and respects the President’s decisions and has pledged his commitment to the process.

He says he stands ready to respond to the accusations made against him and account fully and honestly to the people of South Africa.

MEDIA STATEMENT⁰
Date: 13 July 2025

MINISTER OF POLICE, MR SENZO MCHUNU, ACCEPTS AND SUPPORTS THE DECISION OF THE PRESIDENT

The Minister of Police, Mr Senzo Mchunu, will be taking a leave of absence from his official duties following serious allegations levelled against him…

— Senzo Mchunu (@Senzo_Mchunu_) July 13, 2025