Gwede Mantashe Appointed Acting Police Minister, SA Amused by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Decision

• President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Gwede Mantashe as the Acting Minister of Police, effective immediately
• The Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources will take over until Professor Firoz Cachalia assumes the post in August 2025
• South Africans weighed in on Ramaphosa's decision, sharing hilarious reactions to the appointment of Mantashe

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

GAUTENG – South Africans are amused by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s choice for the Acting Minister of Police.

The president has appointed Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, to the post with immediate effect.

Mantashe will also retain his responsibilities as the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, the presidency confirmed.

Mantashe will take up the role for two weeks until Professor Firoz Cachalia takes over. Professor Cachalia will assume the post at the start of August 2025, after he retires from his position at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Why is there a need for an acting minister?

Ramaphosa announced that Professor Cachalia would take up the role of acting minister after Senzo Mchunu was placed on leave. Mchunu was placed on leave following allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner detailed corruption in the South African Police Service, alleging that Mchunu was colluding with known criminals. Despite calls for his removal, Ramaphosa opted to place the minister on leave while a Commission of Inquiry investigated the allegations.

What you need to know about Mchunu

• Mchunu responded to Mkhwanazi's allegations, accusing KZN’s top cop of trying to attack his integrity.
• The Minister of Police admitted that he knew Brown Mogotsi, despite initially telling Parliament that he didn’t know him.
• The Democratic Alliance opened a criminal case against Mchunu following Mkhwanazi’s allegations.
• The Public Protector launched a formal investigation against Mchunu following mounting pressure to act.
• Mchunu asked to be placed on special leave ahead of Ramaphosa’s address to the nation.

How did South Africans react to the news?

Social media users were baffled and amused by Ramaphosa’s decision, questioning whether it was real.

Mpandze Yamkhulu said:

“The ANC has got jokes. Really.”

Deidré Herron added:

“Pulling the wool over the citizens’ eyes. Cupcake must stop playing with us.”

Mmamohau Motlhake asked:

“Kante, why do we have a deputy then?”

Nitasha Ramlakhan also queried:

“Waah, this is such a joke. Are we being pranked by Ramaphosa?”

Qeto Ramphadile joked:

“Wow, this guy’s stomach is going to be bigger with two salaries.”

Zandile Dladla Tam stated:

“Ramaphosa is really taking South Africans for a ride.”

Omega Majozi added:

“The way Ramaphosa is provoking us🤣.”

Da Reel joked:

“Wake him up. He sleeps everywhere. He's not even aware that he has been appointed😂.”

Brighty Beams Papi suggested:

"I guess the President is punishing us for complimenting Lt Gen Mkhwanazi's press statement on corruption."

Professor Cachalia to take up ministerial post

Briefly News reported that Professor Cachalia was announced as the new acting minister from 1 August 2025.

Cachalia was the MEC of Community Safety in Gauteng in 2004 and also served as the MEC of Economic Development in 2009.

He was appointed acting minister following Ramaphosa's decision to place Mchunu on leave due to the allegations.

Source: Briefly News