MKP's fight against dual police ministers far from over
Image: MKP
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) says taxpayers cannot afford to pay for two ministers in one portfolio as it accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of violating his oath of office and failing to uphold the Constitution as required by that office.
This was after Ramaphosa placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave and appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Police Minister.
MKP leader, Jacob Zuma, has also given Ramaphosa until 10am on Friday to resign.
In a letter dated August 4, Zuma said he will take action against Ramaphosa if he fails to adhere to the demand.
Ramaphosa's spokesperson Vincent Mangwenya said they were aware of the letter.
'The legal team will deal with that letter,' he said.
The letter from KMNS attorneys, who act on behalf of Zuma, comes after the Constitutional Court last week dismissed the MKP's application to have a direct access to challenge Ramaphosa's decision to place Mchunu on a leave of absence, appointing Cachalia as acting police minister and establishing a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the corruption allegations in the police and judiciary.
'Various reasons have been offered in respect of the decisions which were impugned by our client and uMkhonto weSizwe Party in the Constitutional Court which found that it lacked exclusive jurisdiction and/or has no basis to grant the requested direct access.
"As a result, our client has or sought urgent advice on possibly taking the relevant dispute(s) to the High Court and/or any other appropriate forum. It is assumed that you stand by the reasons previously given for the decisions announced on July 13, 2025,' reads the letter.
The party's spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela added: 'The judges did not want to take a decision knowing exactly that the MK Party has a strong case. By placing Mchunu on leave of absence and appointing Cachalia as an acting police minister, the country (has) two ministers of police. Both ministers are acting.'
Zuma, who said he is a concerned citizen, a voter and a former President, also demanded the date and time when Ramaphosa decided to place Mchunu on leave of absence and the decision to appoint Cachalia as acting police minister, as well as their current positions.
'When exactly (date and time) was your decision to place Minister Mchunu on leave of absence taken? When exactly (date and time) was your decision to appoint Professor Cachalia as Acting Minister of Police taken, communicated to him and to the public?
'What exactly is a 'Minister Designate', from a constitutional point of view? Immediately after the swearing-in ceremony (i.e. from around 9:30am on August 1, 2025), what was the exact correct description of Professor Cachalia? Was he a minister, acting minister or minister designate? What is the present, correct, full and official description of Mr. Senzo Mchunu? If the answers are the same, for how long is it envisaged that South Africa will have and pay for two Ministers of Police at the same time?' Zuma asks in the letter.
He also wanted to know Ramaphosa's reasons for not dismissing Mchunu based on the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police boss Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, that Mchunu had ties to criminal gangs and meddled in police investigations into politically motivated murders.
Zuma also wanted to know what is the public benefit in having two ministers of police, adding that one is active, while the other one is on leave.
'What were the reasons why one of the two Deputy Ministers of Police was not promoted to the position of Acting/Minister of Police as you did, for example, with Deputy Minister (Buti) Manamela who was subsequently promoted to Minister of Higher Education? What are the estimated costs to the taxpayers for the failure to act in a similar or consistent manner?'
He said irrespective of the answers Ramaphosa might give, his conduct to place Mchunu on leave and appoint Cachalia remain illegal, irrational and unconstitutional.
'With the publicly available information as well as the pleadings and deliberations in the recent Constitutional Court proceedings, our client is of the view that, irrespective of any answers you might give to the above list of questions, the impugned conduct remains illegal and irrational and unconstitutional.'
'It may have been further compounded by the events which occurred between July 13, 2025 and August 1, 2025 and which have a continuing adverse impact on the South African citizens and taxpayers, including our client,' the letter read, adding that Ramaphosa should withdraw his decision to place Mchunu on leave and the appointment of Cachalia.
'Due to the obvious urgency and importance of the issues raised above, these demands must be fulfilled immediately but by no later than 10am on Friday, August 8, 2025, failing which all our client's rights are reserved, including the right to urgently approach the courts for appropriate relief, without any further notice to you.'
Cape Times
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Maverick
3 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
Ramaphosa talks to Putin about US efforts to end Russia's war on Ukraine
The South African President's call to the Russian leader followed one he made to US President Donald Trump about a different matter. President Ramaphosa spoke on the phone to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, just a day after he (Ramaphosa) spoke to US President Donald Trump. The two calls, however, covered very different subjects. While Ramaphosa spoke to Trump mainly about the massive 30% trade tariffs that were to hit SA, Ramaphosa and Putin spoke mainly about Trump's efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, confirmed that the call had taken place. 'The discussion followed President Putin's request to brief President Ramaphosa on the peace process with Ukraine and to engage on issues of mutual bilateral interest. President Putin expressed his recognition and appreciation for South Africa's involvement in advancing a peace process between Russia and Ukraine,' said Magwenya. He added that Ramaphosa 'welcomed the briefing and expressed South Africa's full support to peace initiatives that will end the war and contribute to a lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine.' Magwenya said the two leaders agreed to further their discussions on moving forward the strategic relationship between their two countries. The Kremlin also released information that, 'Vladimir Putin shared the main results of the conversation held the day before in Moscow with the special envoy of the president of the United States, Steven Witkoff.' Cyril Ramaphosa expressed appreciation for the information provided. The Russian side also noted in a positive way the well-known peace initiative of African states. including South Africa, to resolve the Ukrainian crisis. 'The leaders discussed topical issues of further development of the Russian-South African Republic comprehensive strategic partnership.' It also confirmed that the two presidents agreed to continue their contacts. Putin was referring to the meeting he had in Moscow on Wednesday with Witkoff, Trump's special envoy on the Russia-Ukraine peace process. According to ABC, Witkoff met Putin ahead of Trump's Friday deadline for Moscow to make peace with Ukraine 'or face severe sanctions'. It quoted a senior US administration official as saying the meeting 'went well' and Russia wished to continue engaging with the US, but secondary sanctions were still expected to be deployed against Moscow this week. 'The Russians are eager to continue engaging with the United States. The secondary sanctions are still expected to be implemented on Friday,' said the senior administration official. There has been no visible progress in Trump's peace efforts, which has turned him against Putin. However, in a typical response on social media, he declared the meeting between Witkoff and Putin had been 'highly productive'. 'Great progress was made! Afterwards, I updated some of our European Allies. Everyone agrees this War must come to a close, and we will work towards that in the days and weeks to come,' wrote Trump. DM
IOL News
7 hours ago
- IOL News
Bill proposes barring impeached individuals from becoming public representatives
The DA's Glynnis Breytenbach says the party's private member's bill seeks to remove the gap in the law that allows impeached judges and Chapter 9 heads from being members of Parliament, provincial legislatures and councils. Image: File Picture: Phill Magakoe/Independent Newspapers If the DA could have its way, the Constitution should be amended to bar impeached judges and heads of Chapter 9 Institutions to stand for election as MPs, councillors and Members of Provincial Legislatures. The party's MP Glynnis Breytenbach has published a notice of intention to introduce a private members bill and invitation for comment on the draft bill. The bill comes in the wake of former judge John Hlophe and former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane being elected as MPs for the MK Party and EFF respectively after they were impeached over the past few years. Breytenbach said her party seeks to remove the gap in the law that allows impeached judges and Chapter 9 heads from being members of Parliament, provincial legislatures and councils. 'The bill will ensure that any judge or person appointed in terms of Chapter 9 of the Constitution that has been removed from office due to misconduct, is disqualified from becoming a Member of Parliament (MP), provincial legislature of municipal council. 'Allowing such individuals to become MPs brings the institution into disrepute and erodes public confidence in Parliament's ability to hold the executive and the judiciary accountable,' she said. Breytenbach also said South Africans deserved representatives that embody honesty and integrity, and allowing that category of persons found guilty of misconduct to become MPs was a slap in the face of honest, law-abiding South Africans. 'The bill will be a strong step toward bolstering public trust in Parliament and increasing the legislature's ability to hold other arms of government accountable. While other parties are intent on filling parliamentary positions with their impeachables, the DA seeks to close the gap in our law and bring integrity to our parliamentary bodies,' she said. Breytenbach called on interested parties to submit public comments on the proposed bill. 'Members of the public are strongly encouraged to give input on the Bill by making public submissions. Interested parties are invited to send their written submissions on the content of the Bill to the Speaker of the National Assembly by 31 August 2025.' The bill proposes amendment to sections 47, 106 and 158 of the Constitution. It will add to the list of citizens who are ineligible to become members of the National Assembly, a provincial legislature, and a municipal council respectively. The bill's memorandum states that the Constitution will be amended to provided that a former judge or person appointed in terms of Chapter 9, who was previously removed from office on the ground of either gross misconduct or misconduct, is not eligible to become a member of Parliament, a provincial legislature or a Municipal Council. [email protected]
IOL News
8 hours ago
- IOL News
Royal houses of Transvaal Kingdom sever association with MK Party
The Transvaal Kingdom State of the Monarchs has officially severed ties with the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, citing ongoing disrespect from its leadership. The royal houses are set to reveal more details at a press briefing on 1 September. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers The Transvaal Kingdom State of the Monarchs, representing royal houses from Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Limpopo and North West, has formally cut ties with the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, citing ongoing 'disrespect and disregard' from the party's leadership. The royal houses said the decision was effective from August 3. 'We, the Transvaal Kingdom are compelled to announce that we can no longer continue our association with the MK Party due to the persistent and deliberate undermining, disrespect, and disregard shown by the party, from its national leadership, and President Jacob Zuma, towards the Royal Houses,' the monarchs stated. The monarchs listed a series of incidents across several provinces that they said demonstrated a 'profound lack of regard for the dignity and significance of traditional leadership.' These included 'ill-treatment suffered during the Launch of the People's Mandate at Orlando Stadium' and further 'disrespect shown at the 1-year anniversary at Moses Mabhida Stadium.' However, the final incident prompting the break occurred when Amakhosi travelled to Zuma's homestead in Nkandla for a scheduled meeting this past Sunday. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'Despite initial confirmation of the meeting, Amakhosi were subjected to a series of confusing communications, including a postponement notice,' they said. A media statement, signed by iNkosi Mbhengi II kaBonginkosi Mhlongo of the Elangeni Kingdom, 'upon arrival at the Zuma Homestead on the 3rd of August 2025, Amakhosi were informed by SAPS members that President Zuma was not in Nkandla and would not be meeting with them.' The royal houses described the treatment as 'a harbinger of what we can expect if the party were to take over in our jurisdictions and territories'. They warned that continued association with the MK Party would lead to 'the erosion of our dignity and the diminishment of the thrones of our forefathers.' A press briefing has been scheduled for 1 September in Mpumalanga, where further details are expected to be disclosed. In response, IOL reported that political analyst, Professor Sipho Seepe, has urged Mpumalanga traditional leadership (amakhosi) and MKP leader Zuma to sit down and resolve their differences amicably. THE MERCURY
