By: Rorisang Rampheteng
 
President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing sharp criticism after his televised “family meeting” on Sunday evening, which addressed explosive allegations against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
 
Calls for a national shutdown continue to gain momentum following his decision to put Mchunu on leave, announce a judicial commission of inquiry, and appoint an acting police minister from outside parliament.
 
As early as an hour after Ramaphosa concluded his briefing, South Africans took to social media platforms expressing their dissatisfaction and disappointment over the decision, calling for a national shutdown against the president.
 
One of the supporters, Bianca_GoldSA, posted that she supports the national shutdown because the country needs a change.
 
“I support the #NationalShutDown the is so much weighting on South Africans, we don't need leaders who destroy us (Sic). We need a change,a criminal mafia running the country is destroying us and they have to GO Cyril Ramaposa hates us. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi we stand with you. #FamilyMeeting,” said Bianca.
 
The call has been supported by many influential people, including former EFF member and parliamentarian Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, who questioned the logic behind Mchunu continuing to receive full benefits and salary while on leave.
 
“What does special mean (Sic)? Does Mchunu remain with all the benefits of being a minister: salary, security, but he cannot report for anywhere! Including parliament,” asked Ndlozi.
 
Announcing Mchunu’s leave, Ramaphosa said that he would make an interim appointment from his Cabinet to step into Mchunu's shoes until Wits law professor, Firoz Cachalia, retires from academia and can take over as minister in August.

Cachalia is a former MEC for safety and security in Gauteng province.

The Constitution empowers the president to appoint two people to his Cabinet from outside the National Assembly.