KwaZulu-Natal Premier endorses renewal of Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi's contract

In a significant show of confidence, Thamsanqa Ntuli, the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, has officially endorsed the renewal of the contract for Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) for a second term.

This decision follows a high level meeting with National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, as Mkhwanazi's current tenure is set to conclude on 30 March 2026.

The Premier acknowledged Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi’s exemplary leadership and commitment to the ethical standards of policing, asserting that stability and effective command within the SAPS are essential for ensuring safety and promoting socio-economic development across the province, particularly in light of ongoing challenges posed by crime.

“The Commissioner’s role has been pivotal in addressing KwaZulu-Natal’s high crime rates, including political killings and extortion,” Ntuli stated, emphasising the importance of continuity in leadership as the province faces a complex crime landscape. With the local government elections approaching, the necessity for a dependable and decisive law enforcement strategy is more critical than ever.

Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi has been widely recognised for his impactful and proactive approach to policing. His efforts have enhanced operational coordination between SAPS and other law enforcement agencies, promoting targeted and intelligence-driven strategies to combat serious crimes. The Premier pointed out that such initiatives have been instrumental in restoring public faith in law enforcement and reinforcing the rule of law.

“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,” Ntuli affirmed. This assurance underlines the provincial government’s commitment to upholding the values and expectations of the KwaZulu-Natal community.

As Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi prepares to embark on this renewed term, the Premier reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s unwavering support for SAPS and its determination to collaborate closely on initiatives aimed at crime prevention and the protection of all KwaZulu-Natal residents.