Cape Town – Outgoing Police Minister Bheki Cele has urged police trainees to honour their badges and roles.
Cele said this while addressing a police medal parade in Tshwane on Tuesday.
He also criticised young officers for disrespecting their uniforms by dancing and singing on TikTok, emphasising the need for proper conduct.
“Those given the badge must remember the walk is long. It’s not about us, it’s not about the positions; it’s about putting shoulder to the wheel for the betterment of the lives of the people,” Cele said.
[WATCH] Police Minister Bheki Cele says he is disappointed by young officers who disrespect their uniform. “If you want to dance on TikTok, take the uniform off and put your short skirt, and go dance there.”#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/sfG6XMTfqJ
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) June 18, 2024
He added: “I’m upset by the young police officers that disrespect the uniform and the badge by going on TikTok and dancing in uniform and doing things they are not supposed to do in uniform.
“It’s disrespectful and you are not taking care of that uniform, therefore you’re not respecting the nation that has handed over that uniform to you. Once you put on this uniform, you’re not Bheki Cele; you’re an asset of the nation — behave as such. Once it starts, it will have to end.”
Cele thanked South Africans and the ANC for their support as his term ends.
“[I thank] the people of South Africa, especially my organisation, the African National Congress, and those that allowed me to be a minister.
“Remember, I am just one bar below being President,” he joked. “They didn’t put me there, but where they’ve put me I’m very much grateful.”
THANK YOU 🇿🇦
Outgoing Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele thanks the people of South Africa for entrusting him with heading the #PoliceMinistry pic.twitter.com/JVJKMYCMI0
— Lirandzu Themba (@LirandzuThemba) June 18, 2024
“It’s not about us, it is not about position. It is about putting the most effort, to put the shoulder on the wheel for the betterment of the lives of the people of South Africa.
“The only word I can say is thank you, South Africa.”
The minister, who has served since February 2018, will step down with the swearing-in of President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa and the announcement of a new cabinet.
Cele did not secure a return to parliament this year.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
