Johannesburg, South Africa – Former police minister Bheki Cele faces a significant challenge to his political career within the African National Congress (ANC) after the party's integrity commission delivered a "devastating blow," recommending that he consider resigning from the ANC's powerful national executive committee (NEC). This recommendation, which has sent ripples of concern through ANC structures, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, threatens to derail Cele's anticipated political comeback as a potential mayoral candidate for the eThekwini metro in the upcoming November local government elections.
The integrity commission, often referred to internally as the "body of elders," briefed the NEC last week on serious allegations against Cele. According to at least four ANC insiders who spoke to the Sunday Times, the commission took issue with Cele's alleged continued association with "unscrupulous" individuals accused of criminal conduct, even after his departure from the cabinet.
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu did not respond to queries regarding the matter. Frank Chikane, chair of the integrity commission, referred questions back to the ANC, stating he does not respond to "faceless members of the NEC." He added, "We engaged with the NEC last week, and they never raised what you are talking about. Please send them to me if they have legitimate questions."
Allegations of Impropriety and Factionalism
The core of the integrity commission's concern stems from Cele's alleged association, particularly during his tenure as police minister, with individuals linked to criminal activity. "The elders felt that, as minister of police, he should have known better than to associate with such individuals," one insider revealed. Cele, however, reportedly countered that he had only stayed at Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala’s house after he was removed from the cabinet. The integrity commission's concerns, however, were broader: "The integrity commission’s concerns were less about Matlala specifically and more about the fact that he had direct contact with criminals," the insider added.
Tensions reportedly flared during informal discussions among NEC members regarding reports involving Cele and former social development minister Sisisi Tolashe. An insider highlighted perceived double standards within the party: "There is a double standard that must be addressed. Those close to the president are not prosecuted." The insider further questioned, "Where is the report on Senzo [Mchunu]? Where is the report on Maropene [Ramokgopa]? Bheki is at odds with Mchunu, so suddenly the wheels of justice move faster for him. It creates the impression that the integrity commission itself has become factional."
Earlier in 2026, deputy secretary-general Maropene Ramokgopa and Tolashe also appeared before the integrity commission following allegations that vehicles donated to the ANC were used for personal gain. Tolashe, who has since been fired from the cabinet, is expected to resign as ANC Women’s League president.
Disciplinary Action Looms
The integrity commission is understood to have recommended that Cele be removed from the NEC and step aside from all party activities pending the outcome of relevant disciplinary processes. "The integrity commission said that, in its view, he should explain why he should not resign, as [its] position was that he should step down," an insider stated. Cele responded by "outlining why he could not resign." After considering his response, "no final conclusion was reached that they still believed he should resign. Instead, they left the matter for the NEC to decide."
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula confirmed this week that Cele and Tolashe would face internal disciplinary action as part of the ANC’s ongoing renewal programme. This follows Mbalula's announcement in July 2025 that Cele and former police minister Senzo Mchunu would face the integrity commission and possible disciplinary processes over allegations of criminal interference in the police service.
The Matlala Connection: A Web of Allegations
Cele’s troubles deepened significantly after his name repeatedly surfaced in testimony linked to Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, an alleged underworld figure accused of attempted murder, money laundering, and links to criminal syndicates.
During explosive testimony before parliament’s ad hoc committee probing political interference in the criminal justice system, Matlala alleged that Cele had solicited money from him and stayed at his luxury Pretoria penthouse. Matlala claimed he paid Cele R500,000 cash in two instalments after the former minister allegedly requested financial assistance. Cele has consistently denied any wrongdoing in these matters.
The controversy intensified further when businessman Brown Mogotsi told the Madlanga commission into police malfeasance that Cele had allegedly been presented with an intelligence dossier as far back as 2018, linking Matlala to violent criminal networks and the "John Wick" killings in Gauteng. Cele later acknowledged meeting Matlala at Durban’s Beverly Hills Hotel in December 2024, though he insisted the interaction was aimed at gathering information.
Political Fallout in KwaZulu-Natal
The integrity commission's recommendation has effectively torpedoed attempts by the KwaZulu-Natal heavyweight to stage a dramatic political comeback through local government. A provincial leader revealed that eThekwini’s regional leadership had already included Cele in its election strategy. "He has been campaigning for us. It puts us in a difficult position, and we are unsure how to respond in light of this decision," the leader said.
Cele’s allies in KwaZulu-Natal viewed him as the party’s strongest possible candidate to reclaim lost political ground in eThekwini and stem the growing influence of former president Jacob Zuma and the MK Party. One provincial leader emphasised Cele’s popularity: "He is very good on the ground. We need someone like Bheki to help us in these elections, and he would have made a great mayor."
However, the integrity commission's findings have altered this landscape dramatically. "We had hoped the allegations [made] against him at parliament’s ad hoc committee and the Madlanga commission would fade away. Now that the integrity commission has found against him, it means we must look at other options," the provincial leader conceded. The leader warned that the ANC faced a serious electoral threat in eThekwini, noting, "As much as Cyril Xaba is respected at Luthuli House, [people on] the ground [do] not know him. He is not a man of the people. Right now in KZN we need somebody who connects directly with communities if we [are to] have any chance of defeating MK."
A Call for Binding Recommendations
Within the party’s top leadership, there is growing support for the integrity commission’s recommendations to become binding. "There was a strong view that, once the integrity commission makes findings, there should not be selective implementation," an NEC insider stated. "The organisation cannot preach renewal and then ignore its own processes."
Cele remains one of the most recognisable political figures in KwaZulu-Natal. A former MEC for transport, community safety & liaison, he rose through ANC structures in the eThekwini region before becoming KwaZulu-Natal provincial chair. Known for his populist style, fiery rhetoric, and tough-on-crime image, he later served as national police commissioner before returning to the cabinet as police minister under President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The allegations against Cele have become politically toxic for the ANC as the party attempts to rebuild public trust after a bruising 2024 electoral result in KwaZulu-Natal. The outcome of the NEC's decision on Cele's future will be a critical test of the party's commitment to its stated renewal programme and its ability to enforce accountability among its senior leadership.
