Ramaphosa Breaks Silence Over Mkhwanazi’s Hawks Appointment — See What He Said That Drew Attention

President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the proposed appointment of KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, will be considered by Cabinet before an official announcement is made.

Ramaphosa’s remarks have placed the spotlight on the next stage of the appointment process, with the final decision resting on Cabinet’s consideration of the recommendation.

Speaking on Monday, 2 November 2026, Ramaphosa explained that Mkhwanazi’s name had been submitted for consideration and that the government would communicate its decision once the necessary process had been completed.

“The name of General Mkhwanazi has been put forward; it will go to Cabinet, Cabinet will be meeting, and when Cabinet has decided, the announcement will be made, and that is a Cabinet process,” Ramaphosa said.

He emphasised that the outcome would not be disclosed before Cabinet had reached a decision, reinforcing the government’s position that the appointment must follow the appropriate procedures.

“I’m sure you want to know what Cabinet is going to decide. But we do not disclose what Cabinet is going to decide. We only disclose afterwards,” the President added.

The proposed appointment follows Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia’s submission of a formal Cabinet memorandum seeking approval for Mkhwanazi to become the national head of the Hawks.

According to the Police Ministry, the appointment requires Cabinet’s concurrence under Section 17CA of the South African Police Service Act of 1995. The appointment must also be reported to Parliament.

The position became vacant following the retirement of Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya in May 2025. Lieutenant-General Siphesihle Nkosi has been serving as the acting national head.

The government has identified strong leadership at the Hawks as a priority in its broader police reform agenda, particularly as South Africa continues to confront organised crime, corruption and other serious offences.

Mkhwanazi’s Possible New Role Attracts Attention

Mkhwanazi has remained a prominent figure in South Africa’s policing landscape, particularly following his July 2025 allegations about criminal networks and alleged interference within the criminal justice system.

Those allegations prompted Ramaphosa to establish the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, while Parliament also launched an investigation into related claims.

The proposed appointment has attracted support from some political and civil society organisations, while others have questioned whether Mkhwanazi’s experience would be better utilised in another senior policing position.

For now, Mkhwanazi’s appointment is not final. Cabinet’s decision will determine whether the recommendation proceeds, with Ramaphosa confirming that an official announcement will follow once the process has concluded.

Meek_Feeds3 feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com