Police Minister Bheki Cele has confirmed his resignation and announced that he will not be returning to the National Assembly.
This decision comes in the wake of the African National Congress (ANC) losing its majority in the recent national and provincial elections, resulting in the loss of 71 seats in the National Assembly.
Bheki Cele’s career has been marked by various significant roles. He served as the National Police Commissioner from 2010 to 2011 until he was suspended due to allegations of misconduct.
Cele has been the Minister of Police since February 2018 and was re-appointed on May 30, 2019. Prior to his tenure as Police Minister, he was the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries from May 26, 2014, to February 26, 2018.
From July 2009 to October 2011, he served as the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service. Additionally, from 2004 to 2009, Cele was a member of the Executive Committee for Transport, Community Safety, and Liaison in KwaZulu-Natal.
Addressing the media on Friday, Cele stated, “An ending has arrived, and there is a new beginning.”
He emphasized the importance of moving forward and reflecting on his future. Cele remarked, “Life has got many streams. You can’t be kicking the dust when the time has arrived, asking people, and worrying about it as if you didn’t know the time would come.
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“As I have said, what has begun will come to an end. I am grateful to the people of South Africa, particularly my organization, the ANC, that has given me the opportunity.”
Cele will now focus on his personal life and contemplate his next steps. Cele’s departure is part of a broader exodus of ANC members from the National Assembly.
Other notable figures not returning include Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr Naledi Pandor, Defense Minister Thandi Modise, and Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu.
