ANC Admits Deep Crisis as Corruption, Governance Failures and Inequality Shake South Africa’s Oldest Liberation Movement

LN24 — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 10:05:52 +0000

South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC), the party that ended apartheid and brought Nelson Mandela to power in 1994, has publicly acknowledged that it is facing a profound internal crisis marked by corruption scandals, governance failures, and persistent racial inequality. In a candid statement released this week, the party said it is committed to “cleaning up its act” after years of public anger, declining credibility, and weakened electoral support. The ANC’s self-reflection comes after it was forced into a coalition government last year its first such arrangement since the dawn of democracy following a dramatic drop in support during the national elections. The party’s loss of a parliamentary majority triggered widespread introspection about its legacy, its failures, and its future role in South Africa’s political landscape. The ANC has faced repeated corruption allegations involving senior party figures, state capture under former President Jacob Zuma, service delivery collapse in multiple municipalities, and rising inequality that continues to disproportionately affect Black South Africans despite three decades of democracy. Analysts say the party’s internal divisions and governance issues are key factors behind its electoral decline. With coalition politics now the new reality, the ANC has vowed to reform, rebuild public trust, and renew its core values of integrity and accountability though many South Africans remain skeptical after years of unfulfilled reform promises.

Ramaphosa Puts Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on Leave, Orders Broad Inquiry into Serious Corruption Allegations

LN24 — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 18:11:48 +0000

President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave and ordered a comprehensive inquiry following explosive allegations of collusion with organised crime networks and interference in political murder investigations.

WHAT HAPPENED

KwaZulu‑Natal Police Commissioner Lt‑Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu on July 7 of receiving payments from suspects, dismantling a task team probing political killings, and obstructing justice by moving 121 case dockets linked to high-profile assassinations.
President Ramaphosa, addressing the allegations while attending the BRICS summit in Brazil, described them as a “grave national security concern” and ordered urgent and independent scrutiny of Mchunu’s conduct
OFFICIAL RESPONSES & CALLS FOR ACTION

Mchunu has denied the accusations as baseless, insisting on his integrity and pledging cooperation with any investigation.
The public protector and ANC-aligned figures like Fikile Mbalula (ANC SG) and civil society groups, including SAHRC and the South African Council of Churches, have called for formal investigations, possible suspension, and a judicial commission of inquiry
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has lodged a public protector complaint, labelling the allegations as “ethical and legal emergency” and demanding an independent probe into Mchunu, his associates, and the dismantling of the task team.

PARLIAMENTARY RESPONSES

Speaker Thoko Didiza has mandated three parliamentary committees the portfolios on Police and Justice & Constitutional Development (in public) and the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (in closed session) to urgently investigate the matter.
Opposition leaders, including the EFF’s Julius Malema and the DA’s John Steenhuisen, have urged for Mchunu’s immediate suspension and a full public inquiry, paralleling previous precedents such as the firing of Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield for travel violations.

WHY IT MATTERS

Allegations suggest a deep-seated syndicate that potentially influences law enforcement and judicial systems, undermining public confidence in the SAPS and the broader criminal justice framework.
Experts warn that failure to act decisively could erode the ANC’s credibility and impair morale within the police service, severely impacting crime fighting effectiveness nationwide .

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Minister Mchunu’s leave is in effect, removing him temporarily from duties.
A broad inquiry, potentially chaired by a retired judge, is expected to review evidence WhatsApp logs, case docket shifts, financial records, and recordings.
Parliamentary committees will proceed with open hearings while intelligence oversight bodies conduct sensitive reviews behind closed doors.
Civil society continues advocating for accountability and institutional reform pending inquiry outcomes.

ANC crisis Archives - LN24

ANC Admits Deep Crisis as Corruption, Governance Failures and Inequality Shake South Africa’s Oldest Liberation Movement

Ramaphosa Puts Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on Leave, Orders Broad Inquiry into Serious Corruption Allegations

WHAT HAPPENED

PARLIAMENTARY RESPONSES

WHY IT MATTERS