Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Senzo Mchunu |
| Date of Birth | April 21, 1958 (age 66 years) |
| Place of Birth | eNhlwathi, KwaHlabisa, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Education | University of Zululand, University of South Africa |
| Political Party | African National Congress (ANC) |
| Current Position | Minister of Police, Republic of South Africa |
| Previous Positions | Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (2013–2016), Minister of Public Service and Administration (2019–2021), Minister of Water and Sanitation (2021–2024) |
| National Assembly Member | 2019–2022 |
| Spouse | Thembeka Mchunu (married July 1990) |
| Children | Zinhle, Mathuthu, Jama, Phakade |
Senzo Mchunu, currently serving as Minister of Police since July 3, 2024, is a prominent figure in South African politics with a career spanning decades. From provincial leadership to national cabinet positions, Mchunu has played pivotal roles in governance and the African National Congress (ANC).
Early Life and Education
Senzo Mchunu was born on April 21, 1958, in eNhlwathi, KwaHlabisa, in what is now northern KwaZulu-Natal. He pursued his education locally, attending high school in Pietermaritzburg before furthering his studies at the University of Zululand and later at the University of South Africa (UNISA). In 1986, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and International Relations from UNISA.
Political Career
Mchunu’s political journey began in 1991 when he became the inaugural Regional Secretary of the ANC’s branch in Northern Natal, marking his entry into professional politics following the unbanning of the ANC by the apartheid government. His leadership skills and dedication saw him elected as the first Provincial Secretary of the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal in 1994, under the chairmanship of Jacob Zuma.
In 1997, Mchunu was elected as a Member of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature, where he served for over a decade. During this time, he chaired various committees and played a significant role in the ANC’s provincial leadership. Notably, he served as Chairperson of the Agriculture Portfolio Committee from 2002 to 2004 and again as Chairperson of the Education Portfolio Committee from 2004 to 2009.
In 2009, Mchunu was appointed as the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Education in KwaZulu-Natal under Premier Zweli Mkhize’s administration. His tenure as MEC was marked by efforts to improve educational standards and access across the province.
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal and National Politics
In August 2013, Senzo Mchunu ascended to the position of Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, succeeding Zweli Mkhize who had been elected as the ANC’s Treasurer-General. He served as Premier until May 2016 when he resigned amid political pressures within the ANC.
Mchunu’s influence within the ANC continued to grow, and he was elected to the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in 2017. He aligned politically with Cyril Ramaphosa, eventually being appointed to Ramaphosa’s cabinet after the 2019 general election. He served as Minister of Public Service and Administration from May 2019 to August 2021, after which he was appointed as Minister of Water and Sanitation until June 2024.
Minister of Police
On July 3, 2024, Senzo Mchunu was appointed as the Minister of Police in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet. His appointment comes at a crucial time for South Africa’s law enforcement efforts, emphasizing his experience and leadership in governmental roles.
Personal Life
Senzo Mchunu married Thembeka in July 1990, and they have four children: Zinhle, Mathuthu, Jama, and Phakade. Thembeka Mchunu is also actively involved in politics, contributing to their shared commitment to public service and community development.
Senzo Mchunu’s career exemplifies a dedicated commitment to public service and governance, marked by his leadership across various sectors of South African society. As Minister of Police, he continues to contribute to the country’s safety and security agenda, building on his extensive experience and leadership in government and the ANC.