ActionSA blasts Ramaphosa’s acting police minister appointment

South African Police Minister Senzo Mchunu

South Africa’s ActionSA party has sharply criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa for appointing Gwede Mantashe—currently Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources—as acting Minister of Police, raising concerns about the role of deputy ministers and constitutional propriety. The appointment comes in the wake of accusations against former police minister Senzo Mchunu, prompting his suspension and a judicial inquiry into alleged corruption.

ActionSA’s Dereleen James described the appointment as deeply troubling, given that Mantashe was implicated in the Zondo Commission’s report for alleged corrupt links to Bosasa, where free security upgrades to his residences triggered “reasonable suspicion” of bribery. Critics argue that appointing him to oversee law enforcement undermines public trust.

 

Mantashe will act in the police role until Professor Firoz Cachalia—a respected law professor and former Gauteng MEC—assumes the position in August. Cachalia’s appointment is based on Section 91(3)(c) of the constitution, which allows a president to appoint a non-parliamentarian as minister—but the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and MK Party have challenged the decision’s legality. While legal experts affirm its validity, opposition parties argue it violates the constitution’s cabinet rules.

The Public Service Association (PSA) has called for a shorter, two‑month timeline for the inquiry into police corruption, distancing itself from Ramaphosa’s slower six‑month process. The EFF labelled the move “constitutionally baseless” and “costly political theater.”