JOHANNESBURG - More than a year after Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was placed on special leave, questions continue to mount over the cost to taxpayers and the delay in reaching a final decision on his future.
Critics say the prolonged uncertainty is undermining accountability and leadership within the police ministry.
OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage has criticised what he describes as indecision by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
READ: SAPS turmoil | One year, a R2.69m salary and no decision on Mchunu
“It’s crazy that we’re sitting here a year later when the President has more than enough evidence to dismiss him or remove him.
“He’s removed ministers and deputy ministers for far less serious issues in the past, and we cannot understand why he continues to keep him on precautionary suspension.
“It’s about more than the money. It’s about the lack of trust this creates and the lack of continuity in decision-making.”
READ: Ramaphosa to act on Mchunu after Commission report, says Presidency
Duvenage says the ministry needs permanent leadership to restore stability and strengthen integrity within the police service.
“You need somebody in a permanent position to move forward and begin introducing and entrenching the integrity measures we’ve been talking about.
“We need leadership, and you cannot have that with someone serving in an acting position. I think Kachali is doing a good job, and I’m not necessarily advocating for him to get the position permanently, but we certainly can’t have the minister on special leave for as long as he has been.
“The President must make a decision.”