The ANC has rejected the Senzo Mchunu step aside offer from party duties. According to officials, the step aside policy applies when a member faces a formal criminal charge, not while investigators still probe allegations. Meanwhile, Mchunu remains on special leave from his Cabinet role as inquiries continue.
What Mchunu Says
Mchunu offered to remove himself from ANC National Executive Committee and National Working Committee activities. Officials told him his special leave covers his government post, not party work. He denies wrongdoing and commits to cooperate with party structures and the judicial process. As a result, the Senzo Mchunu step aside debate now sits inside formal forums rather than on public platforms.
The Rule and the Probes
The step aside policy, adopted in 2017, requires members who face serious charges to step aside or face suspension. Since prosecutors have filed no charges, the party says the policy has not been triggered. Even so, two tracks now run in parallel. A judicial commission led by Justice Madlanga gathers evidence and tests claims. In addition, internal integrity assessments review conduct against party standards. Party officials indicate that Mchunu continues to engage with both processes, which keeps the Senzo Mchunu step aside question tied to concrete findings rather than speculation.
Why It Matters
This decision sets a practical benchmark for future cases. A clear reading of the rule places the threshold at the point of charge. That approach supports due process and avoids pre-emptive penalties. However, voters also expect consistency and transparency. If the party applies the standard unevenly, trust erodes. Conversely, consistent application can strengthen credibility and show that rules guide outcomes, not factional pressure. In short, the Senzo Mchunu step aside case has become a live test of renewal and accountability.
What Happens Next
Findings from the commission and from party structures will guide next steps. If evidence results in criminal charges, the policy will require a formal Senzo Mchunu step aside decision. Until then, Mchunu continues to cooperate with investigators while on special leave from his government duties. In addition, the party says it will brief the public when processes conclude, which should provide clarity on timelines and any consequences.
