We interview South Africa's new Acting Police Minister, Prof Firoz Cachalia
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Wits Law Professor Firoz Cachalia as the incoming Acting Minister of Police.
Professor Firoz Cachalia has been appointed an incoming Acting Minister of Police. Photo: Facebook/South African Government
702’s Clement Manyathela speaks with Wits Law Professor and the incoming Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia.
Listen below:
President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu on special leave as investigations into alleged corruption in the South African Police Service (SAPS) continue.
Wits Law Professor Firoz Cachalia has been appointed as the incoming Acting Minister of Police.
RELATED: Ramaphosa puts Mchunu on leave of absence, inquiry to probe Mkhwanazi's allegations
Despite taking up the role in less-than-ideal circumstances, Cachalia says he is ready to do the work.
“I am not going in there with the expectation that everyone will be against me… I think we have police officers who are serious about crime, who are embarrassed by these revelations, who want to be working in an institution that has public respect.”
– Professor Firoz Cachalia, Acting Police Minister
“It’s quite daunting… I appreciate the weight of this responsibility and will do my best”.
– Professor Firoz Cachalia, Acting Police Minister
Who is Prof Firoz Cachalia?
Cachalia (66) is a former anti-apartheid activist, lawyer, academic and public servant.
He is currently a professor in the Wits School of Law and chairs the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council.
He was part of the Gauteng legislature in 1994 as a member of the ANC and took up several roles, including MEC of Community Safety from 2004 to 2009.
Cachalia also held the Economic Development portfolio for a brief stint before leaving government in 2010.
While Cachalia is not currently a member of parliament, President Ramaphosa has until 1 August to rectify this.