It’s not every day you’re watching a tennis match with your spouse and suddenly get asked to become the acting Minister of Police.
But that’s exactly what happened to Professor Firoz Cachalia—though not without a few missed calls first.
Over the weekend, while the country waited for a highly anticipated “family meeting,” Cachalia was relaxing at home watching Wimbledon.
His phone was tucked away in another room charging, and he had no idea the presidency was desperately trying to reach him.
It even got to the point where President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office tried calling his brother, Justice Azhar Cachalia, just to get through.
Eventually, the president reached him—though not before his wife got involved in tracking him down.
“I was ignoring the phone, actually,” Cachalia joked in an interview with Newzroom Afrika.
“I’m not going to be able to do that anymore.”
A Surprising but Serious Appointment
President Ramaphosa’s announcement on Sunday, 13 July confirmed that Cachalia would temporarily take over as Minister of Police while Senzo Mchunu takes a leave of absence amid a corruption probe.
Though the decision might have surprised the public, it caught Cachalia off guard too.
The seasoned academic and current chair of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC) said he didn’t see it coming—but he’s ready to step up.
“I feel humbled and grateful that the president trusts me with this responsibility,” he shared.
Taking On a Daunting Task
Cachalia isn’t new to the political space. He’s been active since his youth and has long committed himself to social development and justice.
Now, he’s about to navigate one of the most challenging portfolios in government, particularly at a time when public trust in law enforcement is shaky and corruption allegations loom.
He acknowledged that the role won’t be easy, but he’s determined to face it head-on.
Given his anti-corruption work and reputation for integrity, many are hopeful he’ll bring much-needed accountability and transparency to the position—even if temporarily.
What’s Next for the Ministry of Police?
Cachalia’s appointment comes at a tense moment for South Africa’s leadership, with renewed focus on government transparency, law enforcement credibility, and rooting out corruption.
While details of Minister Mchunu’s leave and the related investigations remain limited, Ramaphosa’s move is seen as a proactive effort to keep the police ministry stable.
As for Professor Cachalia, his unexpected new role means less tennis and a lot more policy.
But if his calm handling of the phone frenzy is anything to go by, he’s likely up for the challenge.