From Wimbledon into Cabinet: How Cachalia ignored Ramaphosa's calls while watching tennis
Image: Facebook
Professor Firoz Cachalia said he could hear his mobile phone ringing, but he ignored the incessant incoming calls as he was glued to the television, watching the Wimbledon final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday.
IOL this week reported that in a surprise move, President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed the academic as acting minister of police, after a bruising week of intense scrutiny following the bombshell allegations by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Ramaphosa placed embattled Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, on leave of absence and initiated a commission of inquiry to investigate Mkhwanazi's allegations.
On Tuesday, Cachalia relived the time he finally answered the phone call by the Presidency, and Ramaphosa informed him about the epic appointment into Cabinet.
"It was Sunday. I was relaxing, watching sport, the Wimbledon, and I was looking forward to the football. I have a loft upstairs where the phone was being charged and it has a very slight ring tone. I heard the ringtone from time to time but I ignored the call because I was charging the phone. It turns out that the Presidency had been trying to get hold of me for much of the day," Cachalia spoke to broadcaster Newzroom Afrika.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
"Eventually, they got hold of my brother, Justice Cachalia, he called, but I was ignoring the phone actually. I am not gonna be able to do that anymore. Then they got hold of my wife, and my wife happened to be sitting with me in the lounge, watching the tennis with me. From then on, we were able to understand that the president was trying to get hold of me.
"I believe at around 6 or 6:30 (pm) he got hold of me and explained to me that he was going to appoint me in this portfolio. I had to explain to him that in fact I am currently the director of the Mandela Institute at Wits in the law school, and that I was retiring in the institute at the end of this month, which is why he had to make the appointment effective from August," he said.
The 66-year-old said once Ramaphosa informed him of the appointment, there was no hint of hesitation on taking up the new challenge.
"It was a surprise of course, I didn't expect something like this. I have been an academic for, I think, 15 years or so, after serving about 15 years in the Gauteng government. Before that, from a very young age, I gave my all really to the priority which was always political change in the country.
"To be appointed in this portfolio is a great honour for me. I am very appreciative that the president has expressed some confidence in my ability. I do feel humbled, slightly daunted, but I am going to tackle the challenge with all my energy.
Who is Firoz Cachalia
But who is Cachalia, the incoming Acting Police Minister?
Cachalia, is a former anti-apartheid activist, lawyer, academic and long-time public servant. He is currently a professor at the Wits School of Law and chairs the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, a body tasked with helping the state prevent the kind of systemic graft exposed during the Zondo Commission.
Born in Benoni in 1958, Cachalia was active in anti-apartheid student politics in the late 1970s and 1980s.
He was repeatedly detained and banned by the apartheid state and later joined the United Democratic Front. He represented the Transvaal Indian Congress during the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (Codesa) and contributed to early drafts of the country's constitutional principles.
He holds multiple qualifications from Wits University, including a BA, LLB and a Higher Diploma in Company Law, and earned an LLM with distinction from the University of Michigan.
Cachalia joined the Gauteng Provincial Legislature in 1994 as a member of the ANC and served in various leadership roles, including Speaker of the legislature from 1999 to 2004. After the 2004 national elections, then-premier Mbhazima Shilowa appointed him MEC for Community Safety.
He served as MEC for Community Safety until 2009, during a period of major crime-fighting reforms in Gauteng, and briefly held the Economic Development portfolio before leaving government in 2010.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
33 minutes ago
- The South African
Minister Lamola's spokesperson slams DA over Jonas envoy claims
Minister Ronald Lamola's spokesperson has hit back at the Democratic Alliance (DA). This follows its claims that the United States denied Mcebisi Jonas a diplomatic visa. The DA said the US rejected Jonas' role as South Africa's special envoy. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on 15 July, Chrispin Phiri accused the DA, lobby groups, and 'fringe media platforms' of undermining national efforts to protect South Africa's economic interests. Phiri said that the US tariffs are a global issue and it's not unique to South Africa. He said the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition is currently handling the issue. The spokesperson accused DA MP Emma Powell of leading a delegation to the United States. He said that the delegation sought help from the US to change foreign and other policies. Phiri stated that this resulted in negative views and sentiments about South Africa. The spokesperson also criticised Powell's trip to Israel with DA MP Andrew Whitfield. Phiri stated that the trip had been 'rightfully criticised' for whitewashing Israel's conduct. JONAS DENIED ENTRY TO THE US The DA alleges that Jonas was denied entry to the US in May. The party said that President Cyril Ramaphosa continued to claim he was acting as a special envoy. The Presidency has yet to respond officially to the claims. The spokesperson dismissed DA MP Emma Louise Powell's claims about Jonas's lack of accreditation, calling it a 'red herring.' 'Special envoys do not get accredited to a country. These are not diplomatic postings and do not require the presentation of credentials. Even envoys representing the US President do not publicly report on their work,' Phiri said. 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.
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
ANC backs Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister amid corruption claims
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula addressed the media on Tuesday regarding the suspension of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to place Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave of absence has been defended by the ANC, which also expressed full confidence in the appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Minister of Police. Taking over as acting minister from August, Wits University law professor Cachalia replaces Mchunu, who faces allegations of corruption and malfeasance from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Mchunu was allegedly influenced by individuals outside the police force, specifically controversial Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala and his associate Brown Mogotsi, according to Mkhwanazi, who claimed Mchunu had ties with these individuals. According to Mkhwanazi, a drug cartel's syndicate, involving politicians, businesspeople, and officials from law enforcement (police, metro police, correctional services), prosecution, and the judiciary, has been exposed by a police investigation. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ While ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said that the party welcomed Ramaphosa's decision to establish a judicial commission of inquiry to probe the allegations against Mchunu, some senior members of the party have questioned the step-aside rule and its effectiveness saying it only applies to some while others it has not applied. During a press conference on Tuesday, Mbalula said his party wished Cachalia strength and resolve as he assumes this responsibility during a critical period. Mbalula defended Ramaphosa's choice to appoint Cachalia, citing his experience and credibility as essential for leading the police ministry. Mbalula stated that Cachalia's "deep understanding of the security sector and his proven commitment to clean governance position him to provide the leadership required at this moment". Mbalula stated that the ANC supported the establishment of the commission of inquiry, considering it a vital tool for achieving justice, truth, and reform. He emphasised that the commission should be permitted to carry out its duties comprehensively, impartially, and without bias or intimidation. Acting Deputy Chief Justice, Mbuyiseli Madlanga, will chair a commission tasked with investigating allegations of corruption and malfeasance within the police service. President Ramaphosa guaranteed the commission's authority to refer matters for immediate criminal investigation and prompt prosecution decisions. However, senior members of the ANC are questioning why the step-aside rule does not apply to suspended Mchunu. The rule requires members of the party who are facing serious allegations to step aside from their positions. The rule has seen some ANC officials having to vacate office until they were cleared of any wrongdoing. Former ANC spokespeople Pule Mabe and Zizi Kodwa have had to step aside after appearing in court for various charges. Former Limpopo Treasurer, Danny Msiza, has also had to step aside from organisational duties after he was found to be a kingpin in the VBS saga where R2.3 billion was looted from the now-defunct bank. The senior member, who can't be named for fear of reprisals, said there was commotion among ANC corridors in Luthuli House because some felt Ramaphosa was selective in the application of the step-aside rule. The official believes Ramaphosa should have asked Mchunu and others who have been hogging the news for all the wrong reasons recently. Human Settlement minister Thembi Simelane, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshaveni and Mchunu have all been in the spotlight recently after corruption allegations, however, have not stepped aside because they are seen as the president's allies. 'Comrades should revisit this step-aside rule and unpack it properly because it does not apply to some. What is the reason for the Minister (Mchunu) not to resign?' asked the official. He added that Cachalia's appointment was also questionable because he was outside of the executive. Mbalula, who did not entertain the step-aside rule during the conference, said that Ramaphosa's decision to place Mchunu on leave is a proactive and considered measure. "It is a step that preserves the integrity of both the Executive and the investigation itself," said Mbalula.
eNCA
an hour ago
- eNCA
eNCA journalists reflect on chaos, looting & reporting from the frontlines
The July Unrest occurred in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, from 9 to 18 July 2021. The protests were sparked by the arrest and incarceration of former President Jacob Zuma. The protests quickly escalated resulting in looting, rioting, rise in racial tensions, damage to property, violence and the deaths of more than 350 people. It is estimated that the July unrest also caused more than R50 billion in damage to the South African economy. eNCA Senior Reporter Dasen Thathiah and eNCA Camera Operator Nkanyiso Mdlalose were there, reporting from the frontlines. In the video below, they both reflect on the life-changing experience four years on. A Reporter's Reflection of The July 2021 Unrest – Four Years On By Dasen Thathiah The term "unrest" is such a misnomer. Sure, for anyone who wasn't there, it works. A public disturbance? Riots? Maybe a failed insurrection? For those of us who lived through it - on the frontlines - it was a catastrophic nightmare. The first eight days overflowed with anxiety, fear, sadness, anger, trepidation. The recipe for a lifetime of unspoken trauma. The province that raised us was set alight. Its infrastructure abused, the fragile economy gang-raped. People who lived alongside me mutated into savages. Others became statistics, no longer referred to by name, but only as a collective. "More than 350 died," we say. Yet the ones who orchestrated it are most likely still alive and well. But we don't just grieve for the departed. We mourn the jobs lost, the livelihoods shattered, the businesses buried. About ten percent of the murders took place in a north Durban township. The nature of the violence birthed the term "Phoenix Massacre." Its impact pushed race relations decades back. A minority of barbarians in a usually warm, close-knit community turned on their long-time neighbours in the most brutal way. Both "sides" paid with their loved ones, casualties of a racial war. This wasn't just a story to us. It was our lived experience. We saw the bodies strewn across the roadway. We know the helplessness of not being able to save the ones taking their last breaths. We felt the racism directed at us. And propagandists capitalised on the confusion that reigned. People who look like me wanted someone to blame for the backlash stemming from the actions of a small group of racist murderers. So, one propagandist offered me to them as a virtual sacrifice on Facebook. It worked. I was labelled a traitor, threatened, ostracised, blamed and even became the subject of a campaign led by some to get me fired. Just for telling the truth; for standing up when it was easier to sit down. A few days later, another propagandist on Twitter (X) doctored a video clip to create a new narrative. "Journalist by day, vigilante killing black people at night," they said. So, while the city burned around me, I had my own fires to extinguish. Fake news threatened to reduce my career to ashes. I was fortunate to navigate this space with a colleague who I regard as a dear friend; a brother. Together, Nkanyiso and I - a pair that had seen the ugliest side of people during the unrest - helped each other stay true to our beliefs. Armed with an eNCA camera and a microphone, we showed you not just the bad, but the inspirational. We listened as the voices of good South Africans grew loud enough to eventually overpower the evil ones. We introduced you to the community heroes, who outnumbered the racist vigilantes. We held the government to account for its failures. Simply put, we followed the truth even when the path was deserted. Four years later, we reflect on an unbelievable time that should never be forgotten. It should serve as a reminder of exactly what we are not as South Africans.
