Bheki Cele facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bheki Cele
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Cele at a press conference in June 2010
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| Minister of Police | |
| In office 26 February 2018 – 17 June 2024 |
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| President | Cyril Ramaphosa |
| Preceded by | Fikile Mbalula |
| Succeeded by | Senzo Mchunu |
| Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries | |
| In office 26 May 2014 – 24 February 2018 |
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| President | Jacob Zuma Cyril Ramaphosa |
| Minister | Senzeni Zokwana |
| Preceded by | Pieter Mulder |
| National Commissioner of the South African Police Service | |
| In office July 2009 – October 2011 |
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| President | Jacob Zuma |
| Minister | Nathi Mthethwa |
| Preceded by | Jackie Selebi |
| Succeeded by | Riah Phiyega |
| Deputy Provincial Secretary of the African National Congress in KwaZulu-Natal | |
| In office 1996–1998 |
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| Provincial Chairperson | Jacob Zuma |
| Provincial Secretary | Sipho Gcabashe |
| Preceded by | Sifiso Nkabinde |
| Succeeded by | Senzo Mchunu |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Bhekokwakhe Hamilton Cele
22 April 1952 Umzumbe, Natal, Union of South Africa |
| Political party | African National Congress |
| Spouses |
Thando Ngcobo
(divorced)Thembeka Ngcobo
(m. 2010) |
| Occupation |
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| Profession | Teacher |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Union of South Africa |
| Branch/service | Umkhonto We Sizwe |
| Years of service | 1984 – 1994 |
| Unit | Underground unit |
| Commands | South African National Defence Force |
| Police career | |
| Department | South African Police Service Department of Police (South Africa) |
| Years of service | 2009 – present |
| Rank | General Commissioner |
Bhekokwakhe "Bheki" Hamilton Cele (born 22 April 1952) is a well-known South African politician. From 2018 to 2024, he served as the country's Minister of Police. Before this, he was the top leader of the South African Police Service for two years.
He also worked as the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Mr. Cele has been part of the government in the KwaZulu-Natal province. He is a member of the African National Congress (ANC), a major political party. During the difficult time of apartheid, he was even held as a political prisoner on Robben Island.
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Bheki Cele's Early Life and Career
Bheki Cele was born on 22 April 1952 in Umzumbe, which is now part of KwaZulu-Natal. He studied to become a teacher. In 1980, he helped start a group called the National Education Union of South Africa. This group worked for fair education for everyone.
In the mid-1980s, he went to Angola and joined Umkhonto we Sizwe. This was the armed wing of the ANC. He was imprisoned on Robben Island from 1987. He was set free in 1990, along with many other political prisoners.
Serving in KwaZulu-Natal Government
In 1994, South Africa had its first democratic elections. Bheki Cele was elected to the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature. This is like a local parliament for the province.
While there, he led the committee for Safety and Security. Later, he became a leader for all the committees. From 2004, he was a member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison in KwaZulu-Natal. This meant he was in charge of these important areas for the province.
Moving to National Government Roles
In July 2009, Bheki Cele became the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS). This made him the highest-ranking police officer in the country. He held this important job for about two years.
In 2012, he left this role. After that, he served as the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. He held this position from May 2014 until February 2018.
Becoming Minister of Police
In February 2018, President Cyril Ramaphosa chose Bheki Cele to be the Minister of Police. This was a big change in the government. People had different opinions about his appointment.
He continued as the police minister after the 2019 general election. In the 2024 general election, he did not win a seat in the National Assembly. This meant he left his role as Minister of Police.
Bheki Cele's Role in the ANC
Bheki Cele is a long-time member of the African National Congress (ANC). He is currently part of the National Executive Committee. This is the main leadership group of the ANC.
In the 1990s, he spoke for the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal on safety and security matters. Later, he led the party in the eThekwini region. For a while, he was seen as a supporter of former President Jacob Zuma. However, during the ANC's leadership elections in 2017, he supported Cyril Ramaphosa.
Images for kids
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Cele at a press conference in June 2010
