Calls are growing louder across South Africa for KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, to be appointed the country’s next National Police Commissioner. In what has become a viral rallying cry, supporters are demanding that “he be given his thing”—the top job in the SAPS hierarchy—insisting that he is the leader the country needs to restore law and order.

“Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, yes, that guy,” shouted one community leader during a gathering in Durban this week. “He must be police commissioner, that guy—not these things you are offering to us!”

Mkhwanazi, a no-nonsense, disciplined officer with a track record of cracking down on crime and corruption in KZN, has become a respected figure nationwide. Under his leadership, the province has seen several high-profile arrests, a decrease in organized crime syndicate activity, and a stronger relationship between law enforcement and local communities.

With the national police leadership under increased scrutiny due to rising crime rates, public mistrust, and allegations of political interference, many see Mkhwanazi as a beacon of integrity and effective policing.

The phrase “Give him his thing!” has become a trending hashtag on social media, with citizens from all walks of life—from township youth to business leaders—throwing their weight behind the call. “He walks the talk, he delivers results, and he’s not afraid of tackling powerful criminals. What more do we need?” said Sipho Dlamini, a former SAPS officer now turned activist.