By Celani Sikhakhane
- Senzo Mchunu is preparing for the Madlanga Commission and has appointed trusted ally Sithembiso Mshengu to handle his media.
- Mshengu fought for Mchunu during ANC battles in KwaZulu-Natal and even joined court action to support him in 2015.
Suspended Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu has brought in a long-time ally to help him prepare for a major political test.
On Wednesday, Mchunu announced that former eThekwini ANC Youth League leader Sithembiso Mshengu will now act as his personal spokesperson. The appointment takes effect immediately.
Mshengu will manage all media queries related to Mchunu’s appearance before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Mchunu is currently on special leave while he prepares to face the commission, which is investigating alleged wrongdoing by senior government officials.
In a statement, his office said: “The Minister of Police who is on special leave, Mr Senzo Mchunu, has appointed Mr Sithembiso Mshengu as his personal spokesperson with immediate effect as of 5 November 2025.”
This is not the first time the two have worked together. Mshengu backed Mchunu during a turbulent time in KwaZulu-Natal ANC politics in 2015.
That year, Mchunu was defeated at the provincial elective conference, which paved the way for Sihle Zikalala and his allies — including Zandile Gumede and the late Thulani Mashaba — to take control of the party in the province.
The battle was fierce, with the Zikalala camp accused of purging Mchunu’s supporters. Mshengu was one of those who stood firm behind Mchunu under the slogan Asinavalo — meaning “we are not afraid”.
Mshengu later joined a group led by Mike Mabuyakhulu and uMlazi councillor Sthenjwa Nyawose in challenging the outcome of that conference in court. They wanted the result overturned in favour of Mchunu.
Now, a decade later, the two are teaming up again — this time in the national spotlight.
Pictured above: Former eThekwini ANCYL leader Sithembiso Mshengu appointed to help embattled Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu ahead of the Madlanga Commission.
image source: X
