Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to dismiss Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and appoint a permanent replacement when he delivers the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament.
Speaking ahead of the address, Maimane said the country’s political system requires what he described as an urgent reset, with stronger leadership needed to address crime and corruption. He argued that decisive action from the President is necessary to restore public confidence in the criminal justice system.
Maimane said the upcoming SONA represented a critical moment for South Africa, describing it as a “zero hour” that should mark a clear departure from what he called business as usual. He expressed scepticism that the address would bring meaningful change, suggesting it could amount to a reworking of previous speeches rather than a substantive shift in policy or direction.
According to the BOSA leader, South African politics has become entrenched in outdated approaches. He said there was a need for a new political culture that focuses on cooperation among parties that share broadly centrist values, rather than deepening divisions.
Maimane also criticised what he sees as a lack of accountability among political leaders implicated in corruption. He warned that commissions of inquiry risk losing credibility if those found to have engaged in wrongdoing face no tangible consequences. In his view, the President must draw a firm line against corruption within the political system.
Turning to policing, Maimane acknowledged the challenges faced by officers on the ground but questioned whether they could succeed without strong and ethical leadership. He said the perception that senior figures prioritise self-protection over public safety undermines efforts to combat crime.
He added that the SONA should include a clear and robust plan to tackle criminal activity, arguing that failure to do so would allow organised crime to continue exerting influence across the country.
President Ramaphosa is expected to outline government priorities and policy direction when he addresses Parliament, with crime and corruption among the key issues facing South Africa.
