I No charges, no step-aside. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has not been asked to step down from his responsibilities within the African National Congress (ANC), despite increasing political pressure and public scrutiny. According to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, that’s because the party’s step-aside rule only kicks in once someone has been criminally charged , and Mchunu has not.

Mbalula told reporters in Cape Town, where the ANC's National Working Committee was evaluating party structures in the Western Cape on Sunday, "The step-aside rule only applies to people who are criminally charged." "Senzo will not step aside in relation to the ANC because he is an elected member and now has the opportunity, in terms of the audi principle, to also state his side of the story." Mchunu’s presence at the NWC comes even as he remains on special leave from his government position, a decision taken by President Cyril Ramaphosa following allegations of political interference and gang-related links raised by KZN police commissioner Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

While this development has led to sharp criticism from former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule , who claims double standards are at play , Mbalula has drawn a clear line between allegations and formal charges. Mbalula said, "Let's allow the process to follow." “Once we listen to Mchunu's side, it is evaluated in terms of facts by a competent independent judge and a judicial commission like the president appointed , then we can pass judgement.” The panel investigating the matter is expected to submit progress reports every three months. Until such time as a charge is laid, Mchunu remains within his rights to operate within ANC structures, even as an acting minister temporarily assumes his government responsibilities, said Mbalula.

Mbalula dismissed ongoing criticism, including legal challenges at the Constitutional Court , as premature and politically opportunistic. "In a constitutional democracy, it is the right thing for a sitting president to deal with the allegations. The president has done that." That’s what we as the ANC support,” he said.