South Africa’s policing leadership is in for a major shakeup.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a big change that’s already stirring debate: Professor Firoz Cachalia will temporarily take over as the country’s acting Minister of Police.
The move comes amid serious corruption allegations against the current minister, Senzo Mchunu — and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Mchunu Steps Aside After Explosive Accusations
The drama unfolded after Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial police commissioner, made startling claims implicating Mchunu in organized crime and corruption.
In response, Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on “special leave” and promised to launch a formal commission of inquiry into the matter.
Speaking to the nation on Sunday, July 13, the President emphasized the seriousness of the allegations and confirmed he’s activating Section 91(3)(c) of the Constitution.
his allows him to appoint a minister from outside the National Assembly—something he’s now exercised in selecting Cachalia.
Who Is Firoz Cachalia?
If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Professor Firoz Cachalia has had a long and notable career in South African public life.
Born in Benoni, Gauteng, in 1958, he made his name early on as an anti-apartheid activist linked to the ANC.
A legal scholar by profession, he’s currently a law professor at the University of the Witwatersrand.
He also heads up the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council—an important body meant to advise the President on fighting graft within both government and private sectors.
Previously, he served in Gauteng’s provincial government, holding the roles of MEC for Community Safety from 2004 to 2009, and later MEC for Economic Development until 2010.
Fun fact: His cousin is Ghaleb Cachalia, the former DA MP who made headlines for being ousted over pro-Palestinian comments.
EFF Slams the Appointment and Calls Out the President
But not everyone is pleased with this leadership shift. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) came out swinging, accusing Ramaphosa of dodging accountability.
Instead of firing Mchunu outright, the EFF says, placing him on “special leave” is nothing more than political maneuvering—protecting a Minister they believe has been caught red-handed.
The EFF is also furious about Cachalia’s appointment.
According to the party, the move is unconstitutional because he isn’t currently a member of Cabinet. They argue that Section 98 of the Constitution only allows a sitting minister to act in another’s place, calling the President’s decision a legal overreach.
Public Opinion and What Happens Next
The question now is: Can Cachalia rise to the challenge? His resume says he’s got the skills, but with the legal and political storm brewing, he may have a tough road ahead.
Do you think he’s the right person for the job? South Africans are being invited to share their thoughts via WhatsApp or comment sections as the situation continues to develop.
Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa’s move signals that he’s taking the allegations seriously—but whether his actions will satisfy critics or spark a constitutional battle remains to be seen.