Incoming acting police minister slams ANC over corruption

Incoming acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, has condemned corruption within the ANC, calling it “an enormous source of shame.”

Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Cachalia said he would not let political loyalty prevent him from addressing wrongdoing.

He vowed to take action, even if it means holding members of his own party accountable.

“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 the police portfolio

Cachalia said he accepted President Cyril Ramaphosa’s offer “without a second’s hesitation,” calling the role a continuation of his lifelong commitment to defending South Africa’s democracy.

Ramaphosa announced on Sunday that Cachalia’s appointment would take effect on 1 August, once his academic term at the University of the Witwatersrand concludes.

EFF and MK parties label appointment unconstitutional

The appointment has sparked political backlash, with the Economic Freedom Fighters and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party accusing President Ramaphosa of violating Section 98 of the Constitution.

They argue that he cannot delegate ministerial duties to someone who isn’t part of Cabinet.

Cachalia defended the move, pointing out that the Constitution allows the president to appoint up to 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 both a midterm and closeout report to the Presidency.

The reports reveal major structural weaknesses in SAPS crime intelligence and recommend urgent reforms, including establishing a new anti-corruption agency.

Although the Presidency has yet to release the reports or implement their recommendations, Cachalia said his new role gives him a chance to bring those proposals into action within 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.”