The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal has given his full nod to have the contract of the province’s police commissioner, Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, renewed.

Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli gave the nod during his meeting with General Fannie Masemola, the National Police Commissioner, where they discussed Mkhwanazi’s future as his five year contract comes to an end in March this year.

In a statement, Ntuli’s office said the National Commissioner is required, subject to the concurrence of the provincial executive (the Premier), to appoint a Provincial Commissioner for each province.

Ntuli said Mkhwanazi is doing an excellent job and should be retained to continue his gallant fight against criminals.

“The meeting focused on discussions regarding the future of Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi, whose current term of office is due to conclude on 30 March 2026. During the engagement, Premier Ntuli expressed firm confidence in the leadership, professionalism, and ethical standards demonstrated by Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi throughout his tenure as Provincial Commissioner. The Premier emphasised that effective and stable leadership within the SAPS remains critical to the safety, stability, and socio-economic development of KwaZulu-Natal, particularly in light of the province’s complex and persistent crime challenges,” Ntuli’s office said in a statement on Thursday.

It added that Mkhwanazi has earned widespread recognition for his decisive and hands-on approach to policing, as well as for strengthening operational coordination within the SAPS and with other law enforcement agencies.

“Under his leadership, targeted and intelligence-driven interventions have been implemented to combat serious and violent crime, including political killings, organised crime, extortion, and other priority offences that have historically undermined stability in the province, particularly as the country approaches the local government elections.”