The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thami Ntuli, has formally thrown his hat, for the renewal of the contract of the SAPS provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, for a second term.
Mkhwanazi’s four year term of office is due to conclude on 30 March 2026.
The premier says the endorsement come following a meeting with National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola.
“During the engagement, Premier Ntuli expressed firm confidence in the leadership, professionalism, and ethical standards demonstrated by Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi throughout his tenure as Provincial Commissioner.
The Premier emphasised that effective and stable leadership within the SAPS remains critical to the safety, stability, and socio-economic development of KwaZulu-Natal, particularly considering the province’s complex and persistent crime challenges,” read a statement from Ntuli’s office.
In terms of section 207(3), the National Commissioner is required, subject to the concurrence of the provincial executive (the Premier), to appoint a Provincial Commissioner for each province.
Mkhwanazi has earned widespread recognition for his decisive and hands-on approach to policing, and last year revealed allegations of political interference and corruption in the SAPS and criminal justice system.
Ntuli says Mkhwanazi’s leadership and interventions have contributed significantly to restoring public confidence in law enforcement and reinforcing the rule of law in the province.
“The Commissioner’s role has been pivotal in addressing KwaZulu-Natal’s high crime rates, including political killings and extortion.
I have consistently maintained that there is no basis not to recommend a police officer of the calibre of Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to continue with the work he is doing,” said Ntuli.
Furthermore, Ntuli reaffirmed the provincial government’s full support for the renewal of Mkhwanazi’s contract and its continued commitment to working closely with the SAPS and national law enforcement structures to ensure safer communities, effective crime prevention, and the protection of all residents of KwaZulu-Natal.
