Ngizwe Mchunu Stages Bold Protest Against Alleged Corruption

In a fiery stand against what he calls deep-rooted graft in local law enforcement, cultural activist and former radio host Ngizwe Mchunu led a protest outside Durban City Hall on 3 December 2025. The event, dubbed “No More Corruption,” drew attention to claims that some recruits paid bribes to join the Durban Metro Police, while others got in through political connections. Starting at 10:00 in the morning, the gathering aimed to pressure authorities to clean up the recruitment process and hold wrongdoers accountable.
This protest comes amid growing public anger over how the eThekwini Municipality handles hiring in its metro police force. Many residents feel the system favours the connected few, leaving honest job seekers out in the cold. As South Africa battles corruption at all levels, Mchunu’s action highlights local frustrations in KwaZulu-Natal, where trust in public services is already low. With the festive season underway, protesters hope their voices will push for real change before more scandals emerge.
Details of the Protest and Mchunu’s Message
The event kicked off at Durban City Hall, with Mchunu at the forefront, dressed in his signature colourful attire and leopard-print headband. A striking poster for the protest featured Mchunu’s image alongside bold text in Zulu and English: “Umongameli WamaBhinca UNgizwe Mchunu Uzobe Eyobabaza Ubukhonovu Obenzeka Durban Metro Police, Bokuqasha Ngecevenoboya, Ukuthatha Ama-Bribe, Ukuqasha Ngokwazana, Ubugebengu, Nokwenzela.” This translates to a call-out against hiring through bribes, nepotism, crime, and favouritism in the Durban Metro Police. [3]
Protesters chanted slogans and held signs echoing the poster’s message, demanding an end to corrupt practices that undermine public safety. Mchunu, known for his outspoken views on Zulu culture and politics, used the platform to rally support. He claimed to have documents proving widespread irregularities in recent recruitments, vowing to expose those involved. [3] The gathering was peaceful but passionate, with speakers sharing stories of job seekers who allegedly paid thousands in bribes only to be overlooked.
This is not Mchunu’s first brush with controversy. In January 2024, he held a press conference in Durban that turned chaotic over similar claims, leading to scuffles and legal threats. [1] He has pursued lawsuits against those accusing him of stirring trouble, while positioning himself as a champion against injustice. [1]
Background on Corruption Allegations in eThekwini Metro Police
The protest shines a light on long-standing issues in the Durban Metro Police recruitment process. Just last December 2024, the graduation of over 500 new officers sparked outrage on social media, with many calling the hiring “unfair.” [11] Complainants alleged that spots went to those with political ties or who paid bribes, sidelining qualified candidates without connections. [11] This echoed older scandals, like a 2021 forensic report that uncovered irregularities in hiring 590 metro cops during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 financial years. [13]
The Nexus report, as it was known, found problems such as manipulated selection criteria, fake qualifications, and favouritism. [14] The Abantu Batho Congress party demanded its full release, arguing it exposed a system riddled with graft. [14] Despite calls for action, many of those hires remain in service, fueling distrust.
More recently, in November 2025, the eThekwini Municipality announced a crackdown on fraud, blacklisting nine businesses involved in corrupt deals during the 2024/2025 financial year. [10] The city reported handling 17 fraud cases, leading to dismissals, suspensions, and criminal probes. [10] This included a June 2025 arrest of a fake employee stealing diesel, showing how corruption seeps into daily operations. [17]
Staff shortages add to the mess. In November 2025, reports revealed the metro police racked up R80 million in overtime since July due to understaffing and unbudgeted duties. [15] Critics say poor recruitment practices worsen this, as qualified officers are overlooked for those with “connections.”
Who is Ngizwe Mchunu and His Role in the Fight Against Corruption
Ngizwe Mchunu rose to fame as a Ukhozi FM radio presenter, known for his lively style and promotion of Zulu traditions. He has since become a cultural icon and political voice, often aligning with figures like former president Jacob Zuma and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party. Mchunu has faced his own controversies, including arrests for inciting violence during the 2021 unrest, but he maintains his focus is on justice for ordinary people.
In this protest, Mchunu positioned himself as a whistleblower, claiming insider knowledge of how bribes—sometimes called “ama-bribe” in slang—are used to secure police jobs. He urged the public to report graft, echoing broader calls in KwaZulu-Natal. For instance, in July 2025, KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi exposed drug syndicate links in top ranks, adding weight to claims of widespread corruption. [9]
Similar protests have popped up elsewhere. In November 2025, crowds gathered outside the Madlanga Commission demanding accountability for police graft. And in Tshwane, the metro police faced accusations of hiring people with criminal records.
Response from Authorities and What Happens Next
The eThekwini Municipality has defended its efforts, pointing to its anti-fraud hotline and recent blacklistings as proof of commitment. Metro Police spokesperson Boysie Zungu urged the public to report infringements, stressing that officers are doing their jobs. However, no direct comment on Mchunu’s protest was available by press time.
Protesters, including Mchunu, plan to hand over a memorandum to city officials, calling for an independent audit of recent recruitments. If ignored, they warn of more actions. Anti-corruption experts say such grassroots efforts are key to forcing change, especially with national probes like the Madlanga Commission exposing similar issues in other metros.

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Ngizwe Mchunu

Ngizwe Mchunu Stages Bold Protest Against Alleged Corruption in Durban Metro Police Recruitment

Ngizwe Mchunu Stages Bold Protest Against Alleged Corruption

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