Cachalia promises thoughtful leadership
Newly appointed Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has officially taken office, stepping into a politically sensitive and high-pressure role as public trust in the South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to erode.
Cachalia was sworn in at the Union Buildings on Friday, after Minister Senzo Mchunu was placed on special leave as he faces allegations of shielding criminal elements from prosecution.
Cachalia, a former Gauteng MEC for Community Safety and outgoing chair of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, was appointed as a minister without portfolio and designated by President Cyril Ramaphosa to oversee the police ministry.
He clarified during his first press engagement that his role is not an acting appointment in the constitutional sense, but a full ministerial post — albeit one that could end at the President’s discretion.
"Today I was appointed minister, not acting minister. The idea of an acting appointment is not provided for in the Constitution,” Cachalia said.
“So the way I understand it is this: the president appoints in his discretion and decides how long every minister serves. So I, like every other minister, serve at the president's discretion."
No fears, but full awareness
Addressing the media after his swearing-in, Cachalia said he takes on the portfolio without fear, but with full awareness of the weight of responsibility in a country facing a crime crisis and deep mistrust of law enforcement.
"I don't think that I have any specific fears. I understand the moment the country is in and the awesome weight of the responsibility that I have together with others in the government. I want to assure the public that their safety and security is uppermost in my mind."
He added that effective policing would require more than tough rhetoric.
"We’re not a banana republic. The message from the minister cannot be that what is required to fight crime is unbridled, unlawful violence… The police have more than sufficient authority and power to fight crime. They will get all the support they need from me."
Experience, Constitutionalism, and evidence-based leadership
Cachalia says he brings not only political and administrative experience to the role but also a commitment to evidence-based, reflective decision-making.
"I am by nature interested in reflective decision-making. You need to carefully consider the facts, learn about the issues. In every portfolio that I've had, I've read widely. Without turning yourself into an expert, you've got to have knowledge… It helps in the leadership role that you are required to carry out as a minister."
He also emphasised his dedication to South Africa’s constitutional democracy, noting that law enforcement must operate within legal and accountable frameworks.
Anti-corruption agenda to continue
Cachalia’s new position comes as he concludes his term as chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, which is preparing a final report to the President.
He confirmed that he would use his new platform to help advance the council’s recommendations, particularly on issues like whistleblower protection, systemic reform, and intelligence failures within the SAPS.
"I’m now in a better position than I was as chairperson of the council to take the recommendations forward… I will be asking the National Commissioner to arrange a meeting between the council and his management team to discuss our recommendations. I will work closely with the Minister of Justice to move them forward."
Cachalia is expected to meet with National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola in the coming days and visit key provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal, in due course.
He says he will work collaboratively, stay focused on evidence and law, and avoid distractions.
"I will tackle the task. I'm not driven by political ambition. I've been given a task, and I’m going to tackle that task without fear or favour."
Masemola has vowed to support Cachalia during his tenure.
"I commit to work with him, I will support him and the men and women in blue, we will support him.
"We'll commit to work with him to make South Africa safe and we are looking forward for his direction and guidance in making South Africa safe and, of course, one thing we will, as you always say, the first thing is for SAPS to get resources, we need more bodies on the ground and we need also additional budgets to acquire those resources."
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