10 July 2025 | 12:15 CAT
2-minute read

The Concerned Citizens of South Africa (CCSA)—a non‑partisan civil society movement—will stage a protest on July 15 demanding the suspension of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and urging protection for KZN’s embattled Police Commissioner, Lieutenant‑General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

In an interview on Radio Islam International, Ntokozo Mkhize, the national spokesperson for Concerned Citizens of South Africa (CCSA), stated the movement is driven by ordinary South Africans exasperated with systemic corruption.

“We are not a political party or affiliated to any political entity…we are just ordinary citizens who are fed up of the lies that are propagated by the politicians,” Mkhize said.

The group has coalesced around Commissioner Mkhwanazi after he publicly accused Minister Mchunu of obstructing crime-fighting efforts. Though investigations are pending, the Concerned Citizens argue that their support is based on Mkhwanazi’s reputational record and track record on policing.

“We have full trust to our Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi. We’ve seen his stride,” Mkhize declared. The group claims to have eyewitnesses—particularly aid workers in KwaZulu‑Natal—who attest to Mkhwanazi’s proactive style and principled leadership. They are demanding immediate suspension of Mchunu during the investigation.

During the interview, Mkhize acknowledged that their support isn’t derived from formal legal proceedings but from observed performance.

When asked if the organisation is basing its demand on what it has witnessed informally, Mkhize responded in the affirmative, adding that a formal investigation should follow.

“We are calling for a thorough investigation…Minister Senzo Mchunu must be put on suspension while the investigation is being conducted.”

Mkhize further expressed concern about Mkhwanazi’s safety following credible threats—echoing statements by National Commissioner Fannie Masemola in recent press briefings.

“We want the police department to enforce the security to Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi.”

If the President does not act within days, the Concerned Citizens plan to escalate their actions.

Their march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria and Parliament aims to “remove those dirty politicians, those dirty parliamentarians and the president himself,” Mkhize said. “If it means they have to shoot us…they can shoot us, but that is where we are going physically…not by paper, not by calls, not by email.”

While this rhetoric may sound hyperbolic, analysts warn that South Africa’s political landscape—marked by frequent corruption scandals—feeds public impatience with accountability. Last month, investigative reports outlined lingering allegations of misconduct involving Minister Mchunu during his prior role as Education MEC and Premier.

Though no formal charges exist, the Concerned Citizens insist their call for suspension is rooted in principle: no-one is above the law.

Observers have expressed concern that calling for the forced removal of the president skirts the line of constitutionality and risks escalating tensions.

The Movement’s strategy follows an increasing trend of civic mobilisation in South Africa, heightened by constitutional anxiety and frustration over corruption among elected officials.

Commissioner Mkhwanazi remains in place but is operating under heavy spotlight. The national police authority has yet to comment on whether Minister Mchunu will be suspended or if Mkhwanazi will receive enhanced protection.

Listen to the full report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.