Senzo Mchunu, born on April 21, 1958, is a prominent South African politician with a career that spans decades. Currently serving as the Minister of Police, Mchunu has played significant roles in various facets of South Africa’s political life. Here are 20 fascinating facts about his life and political journey that you should know:
1. Early Life and Birth
Senzo Mchunu was born in eNhlwathi, KwaHlabisa, a town located in the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
2. Education Background
Mchunu holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education and International Relations, which he completed at the University of South Africa in 1986. He also attended the University of Zululand for his earlier studies.
3. Teaching Career
Before entering politics, Mchunu worked as a high school teacher in areas like Nquthu and Eshowe.
4. Joining Politics
In 1991, after the ANC was unbanned, Mchunu became the Regional Secretary for the ANC’s branch in Northern Natal. This marked the beginning of his professional political career.
5. Inaugural Provincial Secretary
In 1994, Mchunu became the inaugural Provincial Secretary of the ANC’s KwaZulu-Natal branch. This was a pivotal role, especially as Jacob Zuma served as the Provincial Chairperson.
6. First Election to Provincial Legislature
Mchunu was first elected to the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature in 1997, where he began to influence the political landscape at the regional level.
7. Deputy Provincial Secretary
Mchunu served as the Deputy Provincial Secretary of the ANC from 1998 until 2005, when he was elected as Provincial Secretary, succeeding Sipho Gcabashe.
8. Strong Supporter of Jacob Zuma
Throughout his early career, Mchunu was a strong supporter of Jacob Zuma, especially during the latter’s rivalry with former President Thabo Mbeki.
9. MEC for Education
In May 2009, Mchunu was appointed as the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Education in the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government by Premier Zweli Mkhize.
10. ANC Provincial Chairperson
Mchunu was elected Provincial Chairperson of the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal in March 2013, succeeding Zweli Mkhize. His election marked a significant shift in the provincial leadership dynamics.
11. Premier of KwaZulu-Natal
On August 22, 2013, Mchunu became the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal after Zweli Mkhize stepped down to assume the role of national Treasurer-General of the ANC.
12. Leadership Struggles
Mchunu’s leadership faced challenges when he was defeated by Sihle Zikalala in the 2015 ANC Provincial Conference, marking the beginning of a bitter factional battle.
13. Resignation as Premier
Under pressure, Mchunu resigned as Premier of KwaZulu-Natal on May 23, 2016, and was replaced by Willies Mchunu. His departure was linked to the increasing internal conflict within the ANC.
14. Political Alignment with Cyril Ramaphosa
After aligning with President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2016, Mchunu became one of the latter’s key allies in the ANC, particularly during the race for the presidency of the ANC in 2017.
15. National Executive Committee Member
In December 2017, Mchunu was elected to the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) with strong backing from Ramaphosa’s faction.
16. Minister of Public Service and Administration
Mchunu was appointed Minister of Public Service and Administration in May 2019, a position he held until 2021, when he was moved to the Ministry of Water and Sanitation.
17. Ministry of Water and Sanitation
In August 2021, President Ramaphosa reshuffled his cabinet and appointed Mchunu as the Minister of Water and Sanitation, a newly separated ministry.
18. Appointment as Minister of Police
In June 2024, Mchunu was appointed Minister of Police following the 2024 general elections, succeeding Bheki Cele.
19. Re-election to the ANC NEC
At the ANC’s 55th National Conference in December 2022, Mchunu was re-elected to a second five-year term on the ANC National Executive Committee, demonstrating his continued political relevance.
20. Personal Life
Mchunu married Thembeka, a fellow politician, in July 1990. They have four children and several grandchildren, highlighting his deep family roots alongside his political career.