President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe as Acting Minister of Police following the decision to place Senzo Mchunu on special leave. Image: X/@AthiMtogana.
(The Post News)– President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Gwede Mantashe as the interim Minister of Police, effective immediately after placing Senzo Mchunu on special leave.
The decision follows allegations of political interference and ties to organized crime, which were publicly raised by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi during a recent media briefing.
The allegations sparked widespread concern and raised serious questions about South Africa’s security situation, capturing the public’s attention as citizens demanded answers from the government. In response, President Ramaphosa cut short his participation in the BRICS summit in Brazil to address the issue and was compelled to take decisive action.
Gwede Mantashe is a long-time member of the African National Congress (ANC) and once served as the party’s Secretary-General from 2007 to 2017. He now serves as Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.
Mantashe’s appointment as Acting Minister of Police complies with Section 98 of the Constitution, which allows the President to assign the roles or powers of a cabinet minister to another member when the original minister is unavailable or unable to fulfill their duties.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, it was confirmed that Gwede Mantashe will retain his position as Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources while temporarily serving as Acting Minister of Police. His interim role will conclude on 1 August 2025, after which Professor Firoz Cachalia, appointed by President Ramaphosa, will assume the position of Acting Minister of Police.
On the other hand, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) questioned why the Deputy Minister of Police was overlooked, arguing that she was well-positioned to step into the acting role. The party also raised concerns about the appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia, describing the selection of someone from outside the ministry as questionable.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomed the appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia as Acting Minister of Police, describing President Ramaphosa’s intervention as a decisive step in addressing the crisis. In contrast, ActionSA criticized the president’s decision to place Senzo Mchunu on special leave, labelling it a “paid holiday” and arguing that the measure falls short of true accountability.
Conversely, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula defended President Ramaphosa’s decision to appoint Professor Cachalia, stating it was necessary under the circumstances. The spotlight now turns to Gwede Mantashe as he takes on the interim leadership of the Police Ministry, while South Africans await further clarity on the allegations against Senzo Mchunu. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has confirmed that Mchunu will remain a member of Parliament despite being placed on special leave.
Journalist- Kgopotso@thepostnews.net
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