Bheki Cele’s salary per month once topped R215,000 as South Africa’s Minister of Police, but today, he’s unemployed, navigating life after politics. Stripped of his blue-light convoy, Cele drives his own “skorokoro” car, facing threats and a break-in at his Durban home. From a Robben Island prisoner to a polarizing cabinet minister, his journey captivates South Africans.
This article digs into Cele’s past earnings, career, controversies, and his unemployed status in 2025, offering professionals tools to understand public sector pay and transparency.
Bheki Cele’s Salary per Month: A Career Overview
Bhekokwakhe Hamilton Cele, born April 22, 1952, in Umzumbe, KwaZulu-Natal, built a formidable political career. A former teacher, he joined the African National Congress (ANC) in the 1980s, serving in Umkhonto we Sizwe during apartheid. Imprisoned on Robben Island from 1987 to 1990, he entered politics in 1994. His key roles included:
- MEC for Transport, Safety, and Security in KwaZulu-Natal (2004–2009).
- National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) (2009–2011).
- Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (2014–2018).
- Minister of Police (2018–2024).
As Minister of Police, Cele earned approximately R2.58 million annually by 2023, equating to R215,000 per month. Since June 2024, after the ANC’s electoral losses led to a government of national unity, Cele has been unemployed, excluded from the ANC’s parliamentary list.
Why Is Bheki Cele Unemployed?
Cele’s unemployment stems from the ANC’s poor performance in the May 29, 2024, elections, dropping from 57.50% in 2019 to 40.18%. This forced a coalition government, and Cele, alongside ministers like Naledi Pandor and Thandi Modise, was not reappointed. On June 7, 2024, Cele told the SABC he accepted his exclusion, stating, “I left home to work, so if work is not there, I go home and reflect.” He returned to Durban to focus on family, including his wife, Thembeka Ngcobo, and their children.
Since leaving office, Cele has faced challenges. He lost state security, luxury cars, and other ministerial perks. In November 2024, he reported a break-in at his Durban home and multiple threats, telling TimesLIVE, “I’ve seen the cars that were following me.” Despite this, Cele remains defiant, declaring, “I’m scared of nobody.” He now drives his own car, a stark contrast to his ministerial days, and warned current ministers, “Your luxury cars and blue lights aren’t forever.”
How Ministers Were Paid
South African ministers earn through a structured system, set by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers. By 2023, the breakdown included:
- Base Salary: R2.4–2.6 million annually for ministers.
- Allowances: Housing, travel, and security benefits.
- Pension and Medical Aid: Robust packages for senior officials.
Cele’s R215,000 monthly salary as minister far exceeded earnings of SAPS detectives (R481,000/year) or major generals (R1.48 million/year). Today, unemployed, Cele relies on personal savings, his pension, and any private income, though details are undisclosed. Professionals can study public sector pay via government gazettes on gov.za.
Other Income Sources
Cele’s estimated R37 million ($2 million) net worth suggests diverse income streams during his career. Beyond his ministerial salary, he likely earned from:
- ANC Perks: As a National Executive Committee member, Cele received allowances and campaign stipends.
- Public Speaking: Politicians often earn fees for event appearances.
- Past Roles: His National Commissioner salary (R1.3–1.5 million/year) and Deputy Minister pay (R1.9 million/year) contributed significantly.
Since becoming unemployed, Cele’s income sources are less clear. Limited public disclosure makes it hard to confirm new ventures, but his wealth provides a buffer. Professionals researching politician finances should consult parliamentary disclosures or news archives.
Controversies That Follow Cele
Cele’s career faced scrutiny, shaping public views on his earnings and unemployment:
- 2011 Property Lease Scandal: As National Commissioner, Cele was linked to R1.6 billion in unlawful SAPS lease deals, leading to his 2012 dismissal. He earned R1.3 million during suspension, angering taxpayers.
- Pretoria House: In 2010, a R3.7 million Waterkloof home, funded by the police budget, included R1.2 million in renovations like a gym. Cele rejected his official residence, sparking debate.
- 2023 World Cup Trip: Cele spent R446,339 on a France trip, allegedly funded privately, drawing criticism amid SAPS budget cuts.
- Legal Battles: In 2024, Cele faced a R10 million lawsuit for unlawful arrest and a R93 million court bill over a 2014 heist involving police officers.
These controversies fuel skepticism about Cele’s finances, even in unemployment. Professionals can push for accountability by supporting oversight bodies like the Public Protector.
Cele’s Assets and Current Lifestyle
Cele’s assets include:
- Pretoria House: Purchased for R3–3.7 million, with R1.2 million in upgrades.
- Durban Home: His primary residence, recently targeted in a break-in.
His R37 million net worth hints at other investments, but Cele remains discreet, avoiding flashy displays. Unemployed, he lives a quieter life in Durban, focusing on family. To verify assets, professionals can check the Register of Members’ Interests at Parliament.
FAQs
What was Bheki Cele’s salary per month?
As Minister of Police until 2024, Cele earned ~R215,000 monthly (R2.58 million/year).
Is Bheki Cele employed now?
No, Cele has been unemployed since June 2024, after his exclusion from the ANC’s parliamentary list.
Why is Cele unemployed?
The ANC’s 2024 election losses led to a coalition government, and Cele was not reappointed.
What controversies surround Cele?
Notable issues include a 2011 lease scandal, a taxpayer-funded house, a 2023 World Cup trip, and ongoing lawsuits.
What assets does Cele own?
He owns a R3–3.7 million Pretoria house and a Durban home. Other assets are undisclosed.
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Conclusion: Bheki Cele’s Salary
Bheki Cele’s salary per month once placed him among South Africa’s elite, but unemployment in 2025 has grounded him. From earning R215,000 monthly to driving his own car, Cele’s fall from power reflects the volatility of politics. His controversies linger, yet his resilience shines through threats and break-ins. Professionals can learn from his story by researching public pay, demanding transparency, and holding ex-officials accountable. Dig into government records to stay informed and shape a fairer system.
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