LISTEN: Incoming police minister on role: 'I am up for it'
Firoz Cachalia says President Cyril Ramaphosa asked him to step in as acting police minister, during a two-minute-long phone call.
"I had no idea what he wanted to discuss with me, but then he spoke with me, and he immediately said, 'Look, I'm not going to beat around the bush. I want to appoint you in this position', and I said to him, 'I'm honoured to be asked to show this responsibility'. And that was that. I didn't hesitate."
Cachalia was appointed after Senzo Mchunu was placed on special leave on Sunday.
The minister and other senior officials were named by KZN Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, as having allegedly colluded with criminals and interfered in investigations.
Ramaphosa set up a commission of inquiry to probe the claims.
Cochalia says he's aware of the gravity of the situation.
"I have mixed feelings, I suppose I'm somewhat daunted. I'm not in any way underestimating the weight of this responsibility and the task at hand, but I feel I'm up for it. It's a call of duty, and my wife also understood that. I can't say no, and I won't say no.
"I am very committed, and I am going to give this task that I have been given [my] full determination [and serve] without arrogance."
Cachalia is a Professor of Law and the Director of the Mandela Institute at Wits University. He is also the chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council.
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