Firoz Cachalia Steps In as Acting Police Minister Amid Legal Drama and Political Firestorm

A seasoned public servant enters the fray, but not without a constitutional stir.

South Africa’s police ministry is once again at the centre of a political showdown, this time involving courtrooms, constitutional clauses, and a professor turned minister.

On Friday, Professor Firoz Cachalia is set to be sworn in as the country’s acting Minister of Police at the Union Buildings in Tshwane. His appointment, announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, follows a week of legal jousting, public outrage, and growing unease about the state of leadership in one of South Africa’s most critical portfolios.

A Legacy of Integrity, But Questions Linger

At 66, Cachalia brings with him a résumé many would find hard to rival. A former anti-apartheid activist, constitutional law expert, and long-serving public official, he’s long been known for his measured approach to governance and integrity in office.

Yet despite his qualifications, his appointment has set off alarm bells in political and legal circles, particularly within Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party.

The party filed an urgent application with the Constitutional Court, challenging Ramaphosa’s decision to appoint Cachalia, who is not a sitting Member of Parliament—to act in the place of Senzo Mchunu, the now sidelined Police Minister.

The Constitutional Clash: Can a Professor Be Minister?

According to MK Party legal heavyweight Dali Mpofu SC, Ramaphosa acted outside the bounds of his constitutional powers. In court, Mpofu argued that section 98 of the Constitution makes it clear: only existing Cabinet members can be designated to act in another minister’s place.

“Appointing Cachalia is plainly unlawful,” Mpofu told the court. “The President cannot just bypass Parliament and the Constitution.”

The court wasn’t convinced. On Thursday, the Constitutional Court dismissed the MK Party’s application, effectively giving Ramaphosa the green light to go ahead with the swearing-in.

Why Mchunu Was Benched

At the heart of this crisis lies a storm brewing within KwaZulu-Natal. Police Commissioner Lt-Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made explosive claims about political interference in operational policing—allegations that cast a long shadow over Mchunu’s role.

Mchunu was swiftly placed on “special leave,” a term many see as political code for “you’re out, but not officially fired.”

In a surprise move, Ramaphosa tapped Cachalia to step in. Critics quickly seized on the fact that Cachalia isn’t in Parliament, framing the move as a breach of constitutional protocol rather than a necessary intervention during a volatile period.

Social Media Reacts: Split Between Relief and Rage

South Africans are divided. On Twitter (X), the hashtags #Cachalia and #PoliceMinister trended for hours after the announcement. Some praised the President for choosing someone seen as independent and trustworthy.

“Finally, a grown-up in the room,” one user wrote.

But others were less charitable.

“Ramaphosa is treating the Constitution like a suggestion, not a rule,” another user posted. “This is just ANC elite musical chairs.”

What’s Next for SA Policing?

With Cachalia at the helm at least temporarily, the focus now shifts to whether he can calm the waters and restore credibility to the police ministry. His track record suggests he won’t shy away from tough calls, but his stay may be short-lived if political and legal pressures mount.

What’s clear is that this saga has exposed more than a legal grey area, it’s spotlighted a broader crisis of confidence in government accountability, constitutional compliance, and the inner workings of the ANC.

As Cachalia walks into his new office, the nation watches, some hopeful, others wary, but all waiting for more than just another ministerial shuffle. South Africa wants answers. And stability.

{Source: IOL}

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