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. He served as the Minister of Police from February 2018 until June 2024. Before that, he was the top police officer in South Africa, known as the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service.
Mr. Cele has also held other important roles in government. He was the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. He also worked in the government of the KwaZulu-Natal province. He is a member of the African National Congress, a major political party in South Africa. During the time of apartheid, a system of unfair racial separation, he was even sent to prison on Robben Island.
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Bheki Cele's Early Life and Career
Bheki Cele was born on 22 April 1952 in a place called Umzumbe in what was then Natal. Today, this area is part of KwaZulu-Natal province. He studied to become a teacher and earned a teacher's diploma.
In 1980, he helped start a group called the National Education Union of South Africa. This union worked for fair education for everyone, regardless of their race. In the mid-1980s, he joined Umkhonto we Sizwe, which was the armed wing of the African National Congress. He was imprisoned on Robben Island from 1987. He was released in 1990, along with many other political prisoners, when apartheid began to end.
Working in KwaZulu-Natal Government (1994-2009)
In the 1994 elections, which were the first democratic elections in South Africa, Mr. Cele was chosen to be part of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature. This is like the provincial parliament. While working there, he led a committee focused on safety and security. Later, he became the chairperson of all the chairpersons of these committees.
From 2004, he became 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.
Serving in the National Government (2009-Present)
In July 2009, Bheki Cele was appointed as the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS). This is the highest position in the country's police force. He held this role for about two years. In June 2012, he was removed from his position after some concerns were raised about property deals.
After this, he became the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in May 2014. He served in this role until February 2018. Then, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed him as the Minister of Police. He was reappointed as police minister after the 2019 general election. Mr. Cele lost his seat in the National Assembly in the 2024 general election.
Bheki Cele's Role in the ANC
Bheki Cele is a long-time member of the African National Congress (ANC). He is part of the National Executive Committee, which is a very important leadership group within the party.
In the 1990s, he spoke for the ANC's KwaZulu-Natal branch on safety and security matters. In the 2000s, he led the party in the eThekwini region. He has been a key figure in the ANC for many years, supporting different leaders at different times.
