Living the high life: Bheki Cele and his wife celebrate in style

Former Police Minister Bheki Cele and his wife, Thembeka, were seen enjoying themselves at a lively New Year’s Eve celebration.

The retired minister stepped down from cabinet last year shortly after the national elections. He has reportedly been spending time with his family at their Durban home.

BHEKI CELE AND WIFE PARTY UP A STORM

In an Instagram post, Bheki Cele’s wife, Thembeka Ngcobo, shared a look at their New Year’s Eve celebrations.

This included a clip of the couple – who have a significant age gap – on the dance floor at what appears to be an all-white party.

In the clip, the 72-year-old – sporting his signature fedora hat – was seen dancing alongside his wife, who is 20 years his junior.

“Woza!” the former minister shouts alongside his youthful partner.

Thembeka captioned the clip: “Mood for 2025 ✨Happy New Year.”

Bheki Cele and Thembeka married in 2010 in a lavish wedding, which took place on the KwaZulu-Natal coast. The star-studded event was attended by former president Jacob Zuma and businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize (then Mpisane), reported the Sowetan.

RETIREMENT: LIVING IN FEAR OR AT LEISURE?

Meanwhile, Bheki Cele has given insight into the next chapter of his life – his retirement.

Speaking to SABC, the former Minister of Police – who has been succeeded by Senzo Mchunu – rejected claims that he was broke and “fearing for his safety.”

Although he did admit to receiving death threats and even a house break-in, Bheki claimed he was unfazed.

He said: “I’m scared of nobody, not just now but even when I was a minister.

“This is not a job for roses or flowers; it comes with the package of the job. Going forward, we have to be prepared for those of us in the security space, but for some of us, we are fine.”

Bheki Cele also shared what a typical day as a retired minister looked like.

He said: “I wake up in the morning and go to the gym — something I’ve missed most of the time. My wife gives me unappetising food; she doesn’t allow me to eat scones. She gives me rabbit food. Some people still call and ask questions in other communities and I still respond to them, but in a more relaxed manner.”

Dispelling the “broke” rumours, he added: “I drive a car with a good performance. I drive a Jeep 5.7l, so I’m fine.”

Bheki added that he was “full of energy” and was “feeling good and satisfied”.