PortalsGate

By Isaiah-Phillips Akintola.

My Rant to The President’s Response to Allegations Against the police minister alleged corruption. This is a good read for all those involved in the field of leadership or are interested in the reform and transformation of South Africa and the continent of Africa.

My aim is to highlight the flawed leadership oversight and the implications of the decision, the risks of delayed justice, and the broader impact on South Africa’s democracy, economy, and public trust.

South Africa, once seen as the beacon of democratic hope after decades of struggle, stands at a pivotal moment, as does much of the African continent. Corruption and elite capture threaten to erode the promise of governance by the people, leaving power concentrated in the hands of a few whiles elected leaders often serve as figureheads. To bridge this gap, South Africa and its African neighbors must strengthen institutions, demand transparency, and empower citizens to hold leaders accountable.

There’s no doubt that South Africa and its current political institutions is now standing at a critical juncture, grappling with allegations that strike at the very heart of its democratic values and integrity. On July 6, 2025, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of colluding with criminal cartels, undermining investigations into political killings, and protecting a syndicate involving politicians, police, prosecutors, and businesspeople.

The gravity of this accusation underscores the deep-seated corruption within our nation’s institutional framework. With the chief security officer embroiled in corruption allegations, the implications are far-reaching and warrant urgent consideration. With the seriousness of this case, one would have expected the president to take more serious steps while still trying to prevent mistake of leadership influence.

However, President Cyril Ramaphosa, yesterday the 13th of July 2025 responded by placing Mchunu on a leave of absence and establishing a Commission of Inquiry, led by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Madlanga, to investigate these claims over six months.

The accusations against Mchunu are grave, alleging his interference in a task team investigating political killings in KwaZulu-Natal, a region already plagued by deep violent culture. Mkhwanazi claimed the team uncovered a syndicate, linked to a Gauteng-based drug cartel, involving high-ranking officials across the South African Police Service (SAPS), metro police, correctional services, and the judiciary. Specific allegations point to Mchunu’s ties to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, arrested for attempted murder and previously awarded a R360 million SAPS contract, later canceled.

These claims, if true, suggest a systemic breach of trust, compromising the nation’s security apparatus and public safety. The allegations resonate deeply in a country with one of the world’s highest crime rates, where corruption scandals, such as those during Jacob Zuma’s presidency, have long eroded public confidence.

Leadership and the Demand for Swift Action

Effective leadership in a democracy demands decisive, transparent responses to crises, especially when they threaten national security. The allegations against Mchunu require urgent action, as they implicate the minister responsible for overseeing law enforcement. President Ramaphosa’s decision to establish a Commission of Inquiry, while it is a step toward investigation, however, raises a great concerns about timing.

In a fast-paced global news cycle, where one story quickly overshadows another, a six-month inquiry risks delaying justice, which allow public attention to wane and accountability to falter. As the adage goes, justice delayed is justice denied; a prolonged process may be perceived as a tactic to shield powerful figures, reinforcing corruption rather than rooting it out.

The president’s choice to place Mchunu on leave, effective July 13, 2025, and appoint Professor Cachalia as Acting Minister from August, shows an attempt to balance authority with due process. Yet, the step taking by the president is far from being aware of the public reaction and interest to this case, In my opinion, that’s not a well calculated leadership move viewing the recent accusation by the President of the United States of America at the Whitehouse when President Cyril Ramaphosa visited.

Leadership in this context should require not just some procedural steps but a clear signal that no one, regardless of their position, is above the law. Delays risk entrenching the perception that South Africa’s leaders prioritize political loyalty over accountability, a pattern critic like the Economic Freedom Fighters have labeled a “mafia state.”

Why Security Should be Prioritized

South Africa’s economic backbone, particularly in the field of tourism rests on its security; without public trust in the police and justice system, investment, tourism, and social stability suffer. The allegations against Mchunu, if substantiated, point to a systemic infiltration of the criminal justice system by cartels, undermining efforts to combat crime and corruption. The task team’s investigation linked seized firearms to high-profile killings, including those of prominent South African artists since 2021, highlighting the real-world consequences of compromised security.

A 2024 Afrobarometer survey noted that corruption significantly hinders efforts to reduce poverty, unemployment, and inequality, all of which are critical to South Africa’s economic recovery. When citizens believe the person tasked with ensuring their safety colludes with criminals, fear and cynicism grow, further destabilizing the economy and eroding democratic trust. Without doubt, a swift leadership action is essential to restore confidence.

The Commission of Inquiry, tasked with probing infiltration by criminal syndicates across SAPS, the National Prosecuting Authority, and other institutions, has the power to refer matters for immediate criminal investigation. Yet, the six-month timeline, with interim reports at three and six months, may not deliver the urgency needed.

South Africa’s history of corruption, from the VBS Mutual Bank scandal to the Bosasa bribes, shows that prolonged investigations often lead to public fatigue, allowing culprits to evade accountability. Ramaphosa’s leadership must prioritize rapid, transparent outcomes to reassure citizens and investors that the state is committed to justice.

Restoring Trust in Democracy

The allegations against Mchunu, coupled with the president’s response, test South Africa’s democratic resilience. Public trust in democracy is waning, with a 2021 Afrobarometer survey revealing that 76.2% of South Africans fear retaliation for reporting corruption. Posts on X, such as those from @tumisole and @SABCNews, reflect public frustration, urging Ramaphosa to act decisively rather than rely on commissions, which are often seen as delaying tactics.

The perception that leaders like Mchunu are protected by political allies undermines the democratic principle that authority derives from the people. When institutions like SAPS appear compromised, as highlighted by Mkhwanazi’s claims and supported by the murder of whistleblowers like Babita Deokaran in 2021, citizens lose faith in the system’s ability to deliver justice.
Ramaphosa’s leadership credibility hinges on his ability to address these allegations transparently and swiftly.

The Commission, chaired by a respected jurist, is a step toward accountability, but its effectiveness depends on prompt action and public communication. South Africa’s history of state capture under Zuma, coupled with ongoing scandals involving figures like Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, shows that trust is fragile. To rebuild it, leaders must act decisively, ensuring that investigations are not just thorough but also visible, with clear consequences for those found guilty.

To address the crisis and strengthen democracy, South Africa must adopt urgent, practical measures:

Accelerate Investigations
The Commission of Inquiry should prioritize rapid evidence collection and interim actions, such as suspending implicated officials, to maintain public trust. Delays risk further eroding confidence in the state’s commitment to justice.

Enhance Transparency
Public updates on the inquiry’s progress, alongside open financial disclosures for SAPS contracts, can counter perceptions of cover-ups. Tools like digital case-tracking systems could keep citizens informed, as suggested by security analyst Ian Cameron.

Protect Whistleblowers
The murder of anti-corruption officials like Mpho Mafole in 2025 underscores the need for robust whistleblower protections. Legislation and safe reporting channels are critical to encourage exposes like Mkhwanazi’s without fear of retaliation.

Strengthen Institutions
Independent bodies like the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) need more resources and autonomy to investigate high-level corruption. South Africa’s Constitutional Court, a bulwark of justice, should guide these efforts.

Leadership in Crisis
The allegations against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu demand more than a procedural response; they require bold leadership to restore South Africa’s democratic integrity. President Ramaphosa’s decision to establish a Commission of Inquiry is a start, but its six-month timeline risks delaying justice in a nation weary of corruption scandals.

With crime and economic challenges threatening stability, swift action is essential to ensure that power serves the people, not cartels. By accelerating investigations, enhancing transparency, protecting whistleblowers, and strengthening institutions, South Africa can rebuild trust in its democracy. This crisis is a test of leadership; President Ramaphosa must act decisively to prove that no one is above the law, securing a future where authority truly reflects the people’s voice.

This moment without doubt offers the President an opportunity to demonstrate that South Africa’s democracy can confront corruption head-on, restoring faith in governance.