Professor Firoz Cachalia, the incoming acting Minister of Police, has strongly criticised corruption within the ANC, calling it “an enormous source of shame”.
In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Cachalia said his political loyalties would not stop him from tackling wrongdoing.
He pledged to act even if it involves members of his own party.
“My ANC conscience requires that I tackle these challenges with principles and a clear commitment to the country’s democratic institutions,” he said.
“Corruption in the ANC is an enormous source of shame to me and to many of us.”
No hesitation in accepting police portfolio
Cachalia said he accepted President Cyril Ramaphosa’s offer “without a second’s hesitation”, describing the role as an extension of his lifelong work in defending South Africa’s democracy.
Ramaphosa on Sunday announced Cachalia’s appointment would take effect from 1 August, after his academic term at the University of the Witwatersrand ends.
EFF and MK parties label appointment unconstitutional
The appointment has drawn political fire. The Economic Freedom Fighters and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party claim the move violates Section 98 of the Constitution.
They argue that the president cannot assign ministerial functions to someone outside Cabinet.
Cachalia defended the decision, noting that the president can appoint two ministers who are not members of Parliament.
“These are political and ethical questions, not legal ones,” he said. “The president had to act.”
Cachalia to Lead Police Reform Through Consultation and Inquiry
Asked about his approach to cleaning up the police ministry amid allegations of political interference and criminal infiltration, Cachalia said he would start by consulting senior police leadership and listening to their views.
He also welcomed the formation of the commission of inquiry, calling it a valuable fact-finding tool that would assist his office.
“The process that I need to follow is quite clear,” he said. “I’m going to have the benefit of an objective, reliable process conducted by experienced judges.”
Anti-corruption council work will inform new role
Cachalia also chairs the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, which recently submitted a midterm and closeout report to the Presidency.
The reports highlight deep structural failures in SAPS crime intelligence and recommend urgent reforms, including the creation of a new anti-corruption agency.
While the Presidency has not yet made the report public or acted on its proposals, Cachalia said he now has an opportunity to bring those ideas into the Ministry of Police.
He admitted the processing of the report “has taken too long” and emphasised the urgency of implementing reforms.
Acting title won’t limit his authority
Cachalia will perform his duties in full for as long as the president retains him, despite the post being described as “acting”.
“Once I’m sworn in, I’m the Minister of Police until the president says otherwise,” he said. “And if he allows me to continue, I will.”
Do you think Cachalia can clean up SAPS and confront corruption in his own party?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
