Experts agree that Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi’s leadership has restored public confidence in policing efforts in KwaZulu-Natal.
Image: Facebook/SAPS
On Tuesday, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli urged SAPS national commissioner General Fannie Masemola to fast-track the contract renewal for KZN police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, whose term ends in March 2026.
Ntuli stressed that Mkhwanazi is instrumental in tackling crime, and continuity is vital. - security experts and analysts support this call.
Ntuli stressed his full confidence in Mkhwanazi’s leadership, professionalism, and commitment, citing his pivotal role in tackling the province’s complex and persistent crime challenges, including political killings and extortion.
“The commissioner’s role has been pivotal in addressing KwaZulu-Natal’s high crime rates, including political killings and extortion. I have consistently maintained that there is no basis not to recommend a police officer of the calibre of Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to continue with the important work he is doing,” Ntuli said.
“Continuity in leadership is critical, particularly at a time when sustained and consistent efforts are required to consolidate the gains made in the fight against crime. Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi’s discipline, work ethic, and unwavering commitment to ethical and accountable policing reflect the values and expectations of both the provincial government and the people of KwaZulu-Natal.”
However, when questioned in the Ad Hoc Committee to investigate allegations made by Mkhwanazi, Masemola said he approved Mkhwanazi to check whether he would serve further, and in terms of the law, he must also consult with the Premier, which he did.
“He is prepared to serve. We are finalising, of course, the final details and the how part. That’s as far as I can go,” Masemola said.
Security strategist and retired Interpol ambassador Andy Mashaile reported that KZN crime categories have dropped due to effective policing, aligning with national trends. He noted that the province’s latest crime statistics, particularly when compared to Gauteng, reflect a successful joint effort between SAPS and communities, contributing to a safer South Africa, despite minor ongoing challenges.
“The call for the renewal of Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s contract is informed by the reduction in various forms of crime. And, by the confidence that policing has instilled, particularly with the leadership of Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi. He has instilled confidence,” Mashaile said.
He said Mkhwanazi’s leadership has restored public confidence in KZN and many criminals have been displaced from KZN, with some seeking refuge in provinces like Gauteng.
Mashaile praised Mkhwanazi’s effective leadership, strategy, and policing tactics, noting that a comparative analysis of the latest crime statistics against the last three quarters shows positive results. This performance is significant in a province burdened by political killings and serious taxi violence, indicating successful coordination between leadership, the community, and the provincial executive, led by Premier Ntuli, he said.
North-West University governance expert Professor André Duvenhage said Mkhwanazi’s term should continue to take the process forward regarding the ad hoc committee and Madlanga Commission investigations.
He said forces will oppose Mkhwanazi’s reappointment.
“I think it is probably a long process of appointing a person. You can argue there are bureaucratic bottlenecks involved, but I also believe serious politics are happening behind the scenes because this evidence implicates senior police officers,” Duvenhage said.
He said not giving him another term would reflect negatively on SAPS and political stakeholders, including the president.
Political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe said there are no apparent reasons why Premier Ntuli would not support Mkhwanazi.
“By all accounts, the provincial commissioner has acquitted himself very well. This view is shared by members of SAPS under his command and the general public,” Seepe said.
He added: “Premier Ntuli’s endorsement of Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi should not be seen as a power play between the ANC and the IFP. These parties, after all, are in coalition."
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za