On Sunday, Professor Firoz Cachalia was watching the Wimbledon final when he began receiving repeated calls. He ignored them, not knowing that the Presidency was urgently trying to reach him.
A few hours later, his wife and brother told him the calls were from the President’s office. President Cyril Ramaphosa told him he would become acting Police Minister.
A few days earlier, Police Commissioner Mkhwanazi made serious claims. In response, President Ramaphosa gave Minister Senzo Mchunu leave and started a commission to investigate.
Cachalia said the call from the President came around 6:30 pm. He told Ramaphosa he was currently leading the Mandela Institute at Wits, but would retire at the end of July. That is why the appointment will officially start in August.
Cachalia Did Not Hesitate to Accept the Role
He Says He Feels Humbled by the President’s Trust
Cachalia described the appointment as a big surprise. He said he never expected such a call while relaxing at home. However, once he heard the President’s request, he accepted without hesitation.
He said he worked for many years in government and education. Before teaching at Wits, he spent over 15 years in Gauteng government to improve safety and services.
He explained that this new appointment is an honour and a big responsibility. He feels ready to serve and plans to give the task his full energy and focus.
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Who Is Firoz Cachalia?
From Anti-Apartheid Activist to Legal Leader
Firoz Cachalia was born in Benoni in 1958. He was deeply involved in student protests and anti-apartheid movements in the 1970s and 1980s. He was detained and banned many times by the old government.
He joined the United Democratic Front and played a key role in the Codesa talks, where South Africa’s future was planned. He helped write parts of the early draft of the Constitution.
He studied at Wits University, where he earned:
- A BA and LLB
- A Higher Diploma in Company Law
- And later, an LLM with distinction from the University of Michigan
Experience in Government and Public Safety
Cachalia started politics in 1994 in Gauteng’s legislature. He served as Speaker from 1999 to 2004.
After the 2004 elections, he became MEC for Community Safety. He focused on reducing crime and making communities safer. He also served briefly as MEC for Economic Development before leaving government in 2010.
Today, he also leads the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, a group helping government fight corruption and dishonesty, especially after the Zondo Commission.
Why This Appointment Matters Now
This new role comes during a troubled time for the police. The claims by General Mkhwanazi have shaken public trust in the safety sector. Many people are now looking for clear and honest leadership.
President Ramaphosa believes Cachalia’s experience can help fix things. His work in law and safety makes him a good fit for the country’s needs.
Cachalia said he is ready, even though the job is tough. He wants to use his experience to fix the system and rebuild trust.
Conclusion
Firoz Cachalia’s return to government is not just a personal change. It shows a big change in how South Africa handles police and safety. People are now watching closely to see what Cachalia does next.
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Hi, I’m Amandeep Singh, a content writer at Ramnath Intercollage. I share updates on jobs, internships, and scholarships across South Africa using official and trusted sources. My aim is to make every post easy to read and helpful for anyone looking to apply.
