Jeff Radebe facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jeffrey Thamsanqa Radebe
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 was born on 18 February 1953. He is a well-known South African politician. He has served in many important roles in the South African government.

Mr. Radebe was 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. Jeffrey Radebe holds the record for being the longest-serving cabinet member in South Africa since 1994. He was part of every national government from 1994 until the 2019 elections.

Early Life and Education

Jeffrey Radebe was born in a place called Cato Manor. In 1958, his family had to move from Cato Manor to KwaMashu. This was due to forced removals during the time of Apartheid.

He studied law at the University of Zululand. Later, he earned a master's degree in International Law. He got this degree from the Karl Marx University in Leipzig, Germany, in 1981.

Jeffrey Radebe is married to Bridgette Radebe. She is a very successful businesswoman. She was the first black woman in South Africa to own a mining company. Bridgette is also the sister of the famous billionaire mining owner, Patrice Motsepe.

Political Journey and Public Service

Jeffrey Radebe joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1976. This was when he was still a student. The ANC is a political party that fought against Apartheid.

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

In 1986, Mr. Radebe was arrested. He was found guilty under laws of the Apartheid government. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Robben Island. This is the same island where Nelson Mandela was held. After a 12-day hunger strike, he was released from prison in 1990.

Serving the Nation After 1994

After South Africa became a democracy in 1994, Jeffrey Radebe became a government minister.

• Minister of Public Works (1994–1999): He served under President Nelson Mandela. In this role, he was in charge of government buildings and projects.
• Minister of Public Enterprises (1999–2004): Under President Thabo Mbeki, he managed state-owned companies.
• Minister of Transport (2004–2009): He was responsible for roads, railways, and other transport systems.
• Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development (2009–2014): Under President Jacob Zuma, he oversaw the country's legal system.
• Minister in the Presidency (2014–2018): He worked closely with the President.
• Minister of Energy (2018–2019): Under President Cyril Ramaphosa, he was in charge of South Africa's energy supply.

Mr. Radebe also served as the acting Minister of Health for a short time in 2007. This happened when the Health Minister was unwell. He also acted as the President of South Africa when both the President and Deputy President were out of the country.