Who is Senzo Mchunu? Age, wife, education, qualifications, salary, contacts
The South African politician has been in the headlines for several reasons, with the latest being his suspension over organised crime allegations. So, who is Senzo Mchunu? He is a senior member of the ANC with a strong reputation in governance. Beyond his career, he is a family man with a wife, children, and grandchildren. Senzo Mchunu's biography tells more about him.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Senzo Mchunu is a senior South African politician.
- He is married to Thembeka Mchunu, who is also involved in politics.
- He has been a long-standing member of the African National Congress (ANC).
- As a cabinet minister, he receives a salary aligned with executive-level government officials.
Profile summary
| Full name | Edward Senzo Mchunu |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of birth | April 21, 1958 |
| Senzo Mchunu's age | 67 years old (as of 2025) |
| Zodiac sign | Taurus |
| Place of birth | Hlabisa, Umkhanyakude District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Ethnicity | Black |
| Eye colour | Brown |
| Hair colour/style | Bald |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Spouse | Thembeka Mchunu |
| Children | 5 |
| Education | University of Zululand and the University of South Africa |
| Profession | Politician |
| Political party | African National Congress |
| Social media | Facebook Twitter |
| Net worth | $1 million |
Who is Senzo Mchunu?
Senzo Mchunu, born Edward Senzo Mchunu on 21 April 1958 in eNhlwathi, KwaHlabisa, KwaZulu‑Natal, is a veteran South African politician and member of the African National Congress (ANC).
The politician is 67 years old as of 2025. He was born on April 21, 1958, and raised in KwaZulu-Natal.
Education
Senzo Mchunu's education at the elementary and high school levels was done in the Northern KwaZulu-Natal province. He proceeded to the University of Zululand and the University of South Africa, where he had his tertiary education.
Mr Senzo Mchunu's qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts degree in education and International Relations from his alma mater, the University of Zululand and the University of South Africa.
Source: Original
Career
Senzo Mchunu began his career as a high school teacher in KwaZulu-Natal after earning a Bachelor of Arts in education and international relations. His background in education laid the foundation for his entry into public service.
In 1991, he joined the ANC full-time as the first Regional Secretary in Northern Natal. By 1994, he became the ANC’s Provincial Secretary in KwaZulu-Natal and was later elected to the provincial legislature, where he led several key committees.
Mchunu rose through ANC ranks, becoming Provincial Chairperson in 2005. He served as KwaZulu-Natal’s MEC for Education from 2009 to 2013, and then as Premier from 2013 to 2016. These roles were key milestones among Senzo Mchunu’s previous offices at the provincial level.
Nationally, he was appointed Minister of Public Service and Administration in 2019. In 2021, he became Minister of Water and Sanitation, and in July 2024, he was named Minister of Police.
In July 2025, Mchunu was placed on special leave after a judicial inquiry was launched into alleged political interference and links to organised crime. He has denied all allegations and pledged to cooperate fully.
Despite being placed on special leave in July 2025 amid a judicial inquiry, Mchunu continues to receive his full ministerial salary, as confirmed by government directives.
He was appointed Minister of Public Service and Administration by the president, where he served from 30th May 2019 to 5th August 2021.
Senzo Mchunu's family
Senzo Mchunu's wife is Thembeka Vuyisile Buyisile Mchunu, a fellow politician and former educator. They tied the knot in July 1990. Thembeka has served as Executive Mayor of Uthungulu District and is currently a Member of the National Assembly.
The couple has four children: two daughters, Zinhle and Phakade, and two sons, Mathuthu and Jama. Zinhle is a qualified nurse, Mathuthu is a graduate, Jama is in Grade 12, and Phakade is in Grade 7. They also have grandchildren.
Thembeka is known for balancing her political career and family life. He emphasises faith, discipline, and active parenting, playing a key role in maintaining their family’s values and stability.
Senzo Mchunu's contact details
The former Minister of Police can be reached through email at Sibongile.Hlongwane@dpsa.gov.za. You can also follow him on social media.
Senzo has shown consistency in his political career since 1991. Even though he started as a teacher before walking the political path, his rise to the top was not out of sheer luck.
Who is the Minister of Water and Sanitation in South Africa?
Source: UGC
The current Minister of Water and Sanitation in South Africa is Pemmy Castelina Pamela Majodina, who assumed office on 3 July 2024 as part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s third cabinet.
She succeeded Senzo Mchunu, who headed the ministry from August 2021 until his departure in July 2024.
Who is the new police Minister in South Africa?
The new acting Minister of Police in South Africa is Firoz Cachalia, appointed on 13 July 2025 after Senzo Mchunu was placed on special leave. Cachalia is a veteran ANC politician, former Gauteng MEC, and legal expert.
He replaces Mchunu, who is under investigation for alleged interference in police operations and links to organised crime.
Who is the commissioner of police in South Africa?
The current National Commissioner of Police in South Africa is Lieutenant-General Fannie Masemola, appointed on 31 March 2022. He leads the South African Police Service (SAPS) and is responsible for national policing strategy and operations.
Who is the deputy minister of police in South Africa?
South Africa’s Deputy Ministers of Police are Dr. Shela Polly Boshielo and Cassel Charlie Mathale, both appointed on 3 July 2024. Boshielo focuses on policy oversight, while Mathale brings administrative and political experience.
Dr. Shela Polly Boshielo was appointed on 3 July 2024. She is a former Limpopo MEC with a PhD in Administration and plays a key role in police policy and oversight.
Cassel Charlie Mathale, also appointed on 3 July 2024, is a former Limpopo Premier and senior ANC figure who supports strategic and administrative functions within the ministry.
Senzo Mchunu's latest news
- On 13 July 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Senzo Mchunu on special leave after serious allegations surfaced, accusing him of interfering in police operations and protecting criminal networks. On his suspension and the inquiry, he said;
“I welcome and respect the President’s decision and pledge my commitment to the process. Honour and integrity are the virtues I personally subscribe to and which we all need to make efforts to uphold.”
“I stand ready to respond to the accusations against me and account to the citizens of the Republic, fully and honestly so.”
- By 24 July 2025, a crime expert, academic, and clergyman publicly weighed in on the SAPS crisis, expressing concern over leadership instability and public trust in law enforcement.
- Around the same time, the National Assembly approved an ad-hoc committee to investigate the claims against Mchunu, in addition to the ongoing judicial inquiry led by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.
- As of late July 2025, opposition parties are still pushing for Mchunu’s permanent removal, while the commission continues gathering evidence in one of South Africa’s most high-profile policing scandals.
Trivia
- Senzo Mchunu was placed on special leave on 13 July 2025 amid corruption allegations.
- He is accused of interfering in police investigations and protecting criminal networks.
- Firoz Cachalia was appointed acting Minister of Police during Senzo's inquiry.
- The inquiry is led by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, with senior advocates.
- Mchunu denies wrongdoing and vows to cooperate.
- Opposition parties demand his permanent removal.
- Inquiry has the power to recommend suspensions and prosecutions.
- Re-elected to the ANC National Executive Committee in 2022.
- Held prior roles as Minister of Public Service, Water and Sanitation, and briefly Agriculture.
The question, "Who is Senzo Mchunu?" has attracted conversations following his suspension. Despite his political ordeals, Senzo is a dedicated public servant with a solid academic background and a long history of leadership. He remains a key player in shaping South Africa’s political and service delivery landscape.
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