South African taxpayers are set to bear a heavier financial burden following the announcement that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who has been placed on special leave, will continue to earn his full annual salary of R2.69 million.
This decision comes in light of a presidential commission of inquiry announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which could take between three to six months to conclude.
Despite being off duty, Mchunu will continue to earn his full annual salary of R2.69 million, which translates to approximately R224,166.67 per month.
During the inquiry period, Professor Firoz Cachalia from Wits University has been appointed to act as the interim Minister of Police.
While Cachalia’s exact remuneration package has not been officially confirmed, it is expected that he will receive a ministerial-level salary during his acting term.
If Cachalia serves as acting minister, he is expected to earn a monthly salary equivalent to that of a full Cabinet minister, approximately R224,166.67. This means he would receive around R672,500 over three months, and up to R1.35 million if the inquiry stretches to six months.
This effectively means the Ministry of Police will cost the state nearly R1.35 million in salaries over three months, and up to R2.69 million if the inquiry extends to six months.
It is currently not known how long Mchunu will be placed on leave, but he will be receiving his ministerial salary throughout this period.
The Presidency last year gazetted a 2.5% salary increase for ministers, deputy ministers, members of parliament, and other public representatives, retroactive to 1 April 2024.
Ministers in South Africa will now earn R2.69 million annually, up from their previous salary of R2.64 million, according to a report by .
A minister’s total remuneration includes a basic salary component that is equal to 60% of the total package, which constitutes the pensionable salary.
Each public servant is paid R120,000 per annum, including in their basic salary. The Presidency said that this amount is subject to the Income Tax Act.
An employer’s pension benefit contribution is equal to 22.5% of pensionable salary.
This structure does not include other privileges such as government-funded housing, luxury vehicles, travel benefits, and VIP protection services, all paid for by the public.
As previously reported by , Ramaphosa announced on Sunday the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate “serious corruption allegations” made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The claims, which directly implicate Mchunu, suggest that high-level interference has obstructed criminal investigations and enabled corrupt syndicates to flourish within law enforcement.
“These allegations, if proven true, threaten to undermine public confidence in the ability of the South African Police Service to protect citizens and combat crime and corruption,” Ramaphosa said during his address.
His statement came a week after Mkhwanazi publicly accused Mchunu of shutting down 121 politically sensitive cases by disbanding the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team in March.
The President also confirmed that Mchunu was placed on a leave of absence pending the outcome of the inquiry.
”Professor Cachalia , a constitutional law expert and chair of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, will act as Minister of Police.”
Cachalia is expected to officially take up the post in August, with a temporary acting minister from within Cabinet serving until then.
Mkhwanazi alleged that Mchunu’s decision to dissolve the task team was “a calculated move to shield a criminal syndicate embedded in law enforcement and politics.”
He further claimed the task team had uncovered direct links between criminal syndicates, politicians, prosecutors, law enforcement officials, and members of the judiciary. Supporting documents, WhatsApp messages, and cellphone records were presented during Mkhwanazi’s media briefing last week.
He also implicated Mchunu’s close associate Brown Mogotsi in dealings with businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who received a R360 million SAPS contract, and later cancelled.
Ramaphosa has tasked Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga with heading the commission, alongside senior advocates Sesi Baloyi and Sandile Khumalo.
He stated that the inquiry would probe allegations that criminal networks have infiltrated police, intelligence, and prosecutorial agencies, manipulated investigations, and targeted whistleblowers. The commission will have powers to recommend suspensions, refer cases for urgent criminal investigation, and propose institutional reforms.
“The Commission will have the power to refer matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution,” Ramaphosa said.
He added: “It is critical that these matters be attended to with the necessary urgency and thoroughness.”
The inquiry is expected to deliver interim reports after three and six months, with a final report submitted to Ramaphosa, the Speaker of the National Assembly, and the Chief Justice. It will also assess existing oversight mechanisms, recommend disciplinary action and prosecutions, and suggest broader reforms to rebuild public trust in law enforcement.
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