South African Council of Churches opens 2-day anti-corruption conference
The gathering takes place against the backdrop of a bombshell media briefing by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who alleged links between Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu and an underworld criminal network.
Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke (second from left) with SACC President Bishop Sipuka, SACC 2nd Vice President Rev. Nioma Venter, Former Chief Justice Dr. Raymond Zondo, Ms. Palesa Nhlapo and Mr. Keeran Rutthan from FNB at the South African Council of Churches’ anti-corruption conference on 23 July 2025. Picture: @AuditorGen_SA/X
JOHANNESBURG - The South African Council of Churches (SACC) has opened a two-day anti-corruption conference featuring a panel of high-profile officials and thought leaders.
The gathering takes place against the backdrop of a bombshell media briefing by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who alleged links between Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu and an underworld criminal network.
Following the briefing, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on special leave, appointed an acting police minister and announced a judicial commission of inquiry to probe Mkhwanazi’s allegations.
On Wednesday, Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka, former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo and Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke, among others, joined the SACC leadership to begin the conference, which aims to “confront” corruption on spiritual, moral and systemic levels.
SACC president, Sithebele Sipuka, said it was the poorest South Africans who suffered most from corruption.
"When the very institutions meant to protect our people become compromised, when investigations are mysteriously derailed, when justice becomes selective, we witness corruption’s cruel face — the war against the poor."
Sipuka added that ordinary citizens were increasingly frustrated with the relentless greed of politicians.
"The groundswell of public support for Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s courage in speaking truth to power shows us that ordinary South Africans are tired of this complicity."