As Professor Firoz Cachalia prepares to step in as acting minister of police, he has offered insight into the possible reason behind the delay to the “family meeting” this past Sunday, 13 July.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that Cachalia would step into the role while Police Minister Senzo Mchunu takes a leave of absence. This comes amid the launch of investigations into alleged corruption.
Cachalia, who chairs the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC), says the task ahead is daunting, but he would tackle it head-on.
MOMENTS LEADING UP TO FAMILY MEETING
In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Cachalia recounted the moment he received the all-important call from the president. It turns out the Presidency had some difficulty reaching him, which would explain why the address – due to start at 19:00 – ended up kicking off at 19:30 instead.
The NACAC chair said he was watching the Wimbledon tennis tournament with his wife while his phone was charging in another room. After several missed calls, the Presidency managed to contact Firoz’s brother, retired judge Azhar Cachalia, and eventually got hold of the professor’s wife.
“I was ignoring the phone, actually. I’m not going to be able to do that anymore,” Cachalia joked with anchor Rappetti on Tuesday morning.
CACHALIA EAGER TO SERVE AS ACTING POLICE MINISTER
Cachalia told Rappetti that he has been politically active from a young age and that the development of society remains his passion. He admitted he was surprised to be offered the position but felt deeply humbled by the opportunity.
He added that he was grateful the president had shown confidence in his ability to serve.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON PROFESSOR FIROZ CACHALIA’S APPOINTMENT?
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