Jeff Radebe facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jeffrey Thamsanqa Radebe
Radebe in 2017
Minister of Energy
In office 26 February 2018 – 30 May 2019
Preceded by	David Mahlobo
Succeeded by	Gwede Mantashe
Minister in the Presidency
In office May 2014 – February 2018
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development
In office 11 May 2009 – 25 May 2014
Preceded by	Enver Surty
Succeeded by	Michael Masutha
Minister of Transport
In office 29 April 2004 – 10 May 2009
President	Thabo Mbeki Kgalema Motlanthe
Preceded by	Dullah Omar
Succeeded by	S'bu Ndebele
Minister of Public Enterprises
In office 17 June 1999 – 28 April 2004
Minister of Public Works
In office 11 May 1994 – 17 June 1999
Succeeded by	Stella Sigcau
Personal details
Born	(1953-02-18) 18 February 1953 (age 72) Cato Manor
Political party	South African Communist Party African National Congress
Spouse	Bridgette Radebe
Alma mater	University of Zululand (B.Jur), Leipzig University (LLM)

Jeffrey Thamsanqa Radebe, born on 18 February 1953, is a well-known South African politician. He served in the South African government for many years. His last role was as the Minister of Energy from 2018 to 2019. Before that, he was the Minister in the Presidency from 2014 to 2018. He also served as the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development from 2009 to 2014.

Mr. Radebe holds a special place in South African history. He was the longest-serving cabinet member after 1994. This means he was part of every national government from 1994 until the 2019 elections.

Early Life and Family

Jeffrey Radebe was born in a place called Cato Manor. In 1958, his family was forced to move from their home to KwaMashu. This was due to the unfair laws of the time.

He is married to Bridgette Radebe. She is known as South Africa's first black female mining entrepreneur. Bridgette is also the sister of a very successful mining businessman, Patrice Motsepe. Jeffrey Radebe has a daughter who is known in the entertainment world as Durban Gogo.

Education and Studies

Jeffrey Radebe studied law at the University of Zululand. He then continued his studies overseas. In 1981, he earned a master's degree in International Law from the Karl Marx University in Leipzig, which is in Germany.

Joining the ANC and Public Service

Jeffrey Radebe joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1976 while he was still a student. The ANC was a political party fighting against the unfair system of Apartheid in South Africa.

In 1977, the ANC sent him to Mozambique, and later to Tanzania. There, he worked as a journalist for a radio station in Dar es Salaam.

Time in Prison

In 1986, after a secret mission for the ANC, Mr. Radebe was arrested. He was found guilty under the Terrorism Act of the Apartheid government. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Robben Island. This island was famous for holding many political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela.

In 1990, after a 12-day hunger strike, Jeffrey Radebe was released from prison.

Roles in Government

After South Africa became a democratic country in 1994, Mr. Radebe took on many important roles:

• From 1994 to 1999, he was the Minister of Public Works under President Nelson Mandela.
• Under President Thabo Mbeki, he served as Minister of Public Enterprises (1999–2004) and Minister of Transport (2004–2009).
• He then served as Minister of Constitutional and Justice Development (2009–2014) and Minister in the Presidency (2014–2018) under President Jacob Zuma.
• His last cabinet role was as Minister of Energy from 2018 to 2019 under President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Mr. Radebe also sometimes acted as Minister of Health in 2007. He also served as Acting President of South Africa when both the President and Deputy President were out of the country on official visits.

Media Appearances

• Motherland film (2010)