The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has issued President Cyril Ramaphosa an ultimatum to withdraw his Sunday announcement by Friday morning or face a Constitutional Court challenge and a motion of no confidence.
During a televised address over the weekend, Ramaphosa announced that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu would take a leave of absence with immediate effect, following serious corruption allegations levelled against him by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The president also deemed it “necessary” to launch a commission of inquiry into the serious allegations, saying the move was vital to “restore public trust in the police service” and put an end to the lingering shadow of state capture in South Africa.
However, the MK Party has rejected the president’s actions – placing Mchunu on leave, appointing Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting minister from 1 August, and launching the commission – as both unconstitutional and irrational.
MK Party Issues Letter of Demand to President Ramaphosa
On 15 July 2025, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, through its legal representatives, issued a formal letter of demand to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The letter challenges the legality and constitutionality of the President’s… pic.twitter.com/wLPffM2ZxF
— uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (Official) (@MkhontoweSizwex) July 16, 2025
According to SABC News, MKP spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlela questioned the credibility of parliamentary and judicial involvement, alleging complicity in political crimes, as highlighted by KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
“Let’s not forget that General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi also highlighted that some of the parliamentarians are complicit in these illegal and criminal activities. So, how is it possible that we can have ad hoc committees in parliament when some of them could be, in effect, the ones who are complicit? How is it that we can then call upon the judiciary that is also complicit in the same political killings that, as outlined by General Mkhwanazi, for them to preside over a judicial commission of inquiry?,” the report quoted Ndlela as saying.
He further warned that the MK Party would pursue lawful and peaceful avenues if Ramaphosa does not step down, The Citizen reported.
“The MK Party has formally delivered a letter of demand to Cyril Ramaphosa, calling on him to resign from office by 9am on 18 July in honour of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the founding Commander-in-Chief of uMkhonto weSizwe,” Ndlela said.
“Should Ramaphosa fail to heed this call, the MK Party will pursue a range of lawful and peaceful actions.”
First published by: African Insider
Words compiled by: Betha Madhomu
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