On Sunday, 13 July 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia as the acting Minister of Police.
This appointment came as a surprise to many South Africans amid a turbulent political climate marked by serious allegations of corruption and interference within the police service.
The temporary removal of Senzo Mchunu, the previous Police Minister, and the naming of Cachalia as his interim replacement have sparked widespread discussion about the future direction of policing and governance in South Africa.

Professor Cachalia, a law academic at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), is expected to serve as acting minister from 1 August, despite his announced retirement from the university at the end of July.
In addition to his academic career, Cachalia chairs the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC), a multi-sectoral body established by Ramaphosa to combat corruption and criminality.
His appointment is seen by some as a strategic move to restore public confidence in the police ministry and demonstrate the government’s commitment to fighting corruption.

The Political Context and the Police Ministry Shake-Up

The backdrop to Cachalia’s appointment is a scandal involving serious allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi accused the police minister and other senior officials of dismantling a specialized police task team investigating politically motivated killings and corruption linked to criminal syndicates.
These claims have rocked the nation, raising questions about political interference in law enforcement and the integrity of the criminal justice system.

President Ramaphosa’s decision to place Senzo Mchunu on special leave rather than suspending him outright has drawn mixed reactions.
Officially, Mchunu is not suspended but on paid special leave, a status that some critics argue allows him to evade accountability while potentially obstructing ongoing investigations.
This distinction has fueled public skepticism and accusations of “fake news” and government obfuscation on social media and in public discourse.

In response, Ramaphosa announced the formation of a commission of inquiry to investigate the alleged infiltration of law enforcement intelligence and related institutions by criminal syndicates.
This commission aims to uncover the extent of corruption and restore integrity to the criminal justice system.
At the same time, the appointment of Cachalia as acting minister is viewed as a signal of intent to bring credible leadership to the police ministry during this critical period.

Who Is Professor Firoz Cachalia?

Born on 22 July 1958 in Benoni, South Africa, Firoz Cachalia’s life has been deeply intertwined with the country’s struggle for justice and democracy.
His political activism began at a young age, notably during his university years when he and his brother, Azhar, were arrested for distributing pamphlets commemorating the Soweto Uprising.
Both brothers endured severe assault and torture during this arrest, reflecting the brutal repression faced by anti-apartheid activists.

Just three years later, the Cachalia brothers were again detained for political activities, subjected to weeks of imprisonment, and banned under the Internal Security Act from participating in any organizations.
Despite these hardships, Firoz Cachalia remained committed to the fight against apartheid, assuming leadership roles in various anti-apartheid organizations.
He played a significant part in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa negotiations, which paved the way for the country’s democratic transition.

Cachalia also contributed to drafting the initial versions of South Africa’s post-apartheid constitution, a foundational document that enshrines human rights and democratic governance.
Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions in prominent political formations including the United Democratic Front (UDF), the African National Congress (ANC), and the South African Communist Party (SACP).
Beyond politics, he has also worked in the private sector and academia, bringing a broad perspective to governance and policy issues.

In 2022, President Ramaphosa appointed Firoz Cachalia to chair the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC), a nine-member body tasked with advising the presidency on strategies to combat corruption, fraud, and other criminality.
The council represents a multi-sectoral partnership aimed at strengthening South Africa’s response to pervasive corruption challenges.

Under Cachalia’s leadership, the NACAC has proposed several measures to enhance the government’s ability to investigate and prosecute criminal corruption effectively.
These proposals include granting investigative powers to relevant agencies and improving coordination among law enforcement bodies.
Cachalia’s role in NACAC has earned him recognition as a credible and serious advocate for good governance and transparency.

The announcement of Cachalia as acting Police Minister has elicited a range of responses from political actors, civil society, and the public.
Ian Cameron, Chairperson of the National Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Police, described the appointment as a commendable step forward.
He emphasized Cachalia’s competence, credibility, and dedication to good governance as qualities that could help restore public trust in the police ministry.

However, some citizens remain cautious or skeptical, questioning whether Cachalia’s brief tenure and imminent retirement from academia will allow him to effect meaningful change.
Others express hope that his extensive experience in law, politics, and anti-corruption efforts will bring fresh energy and integrity to a ministry currently mired in controversy.

The broader public debate touches on deeper issues regarding the state of policing in South Africa.
Many South Africans are frustrated with ongoing reports of corruption, political interference, and inefficiency within the police service.
There is a widespread desire for reforms that strengthen accountability, protect law enforcement from political manipulation, and improve service delivery to communities.

While it is too early to predict the full impact of Professor Cachalia’s appointment, there are reasons to be cautiously optimistic.
His background as a human rights activist, legal scholar, and anti-corruption advocate positions him well to champion reforms that address systemic problems within the police service.

Moreover, his leadership of the NACAC demonstrates his commitment to multi-sectoral collaboration and innovative approaches to governance challenges.
If supported by the presidency and parliament, Cachalia could help steer the police ministry toward greater transparency and effectiveness.

Nevertheless, significant obstacles remain.
The entrenched nature of corruption and factionalism within South African politics and law enforcement will require sustained political will and public pressure to overcome.
Cachalia’s success will depend not only on his personal qualities but also on the broader institutional and political environment.

President Ramaphosa’s appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Police Minister comes at a critical juncture for South Africa.
The nation is grappling with serious allegations of corruption and political interference that threaten the credibility of its criminal justice system.
The government’s response, including the establishment of a commission of inquiry and the leadership change in the police ministry, signals an awareness of the urgency of these challenges.

For the public, the hope is that these measures will translate into concrete actions that restore trust, uphold the rule of law, and protect citizens from violence and corruption.
For Cachalia, the task ahead is daunting but presents an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in one of South Africa’s most vital institutions.

As South Africans watch closely, the question remains: will this new chapter in policing mark a turning point toward integrity and accountability, or will it be another episode in a continuing saga of political turbulence and governance struggles?

Only time will tell.
Meanwhile, the eyes of the nation and the world remain fixed on South Africa’s evolving story of democracy, justice, and reform.