Home ‘Cele wanted to be the big man’: Minister faces legal action over beach visit

‘Cele wanted to be the big man’: Minister faces legal action over beach visit

Bheki Cele, has expressed concern at what he described as reckless behaviour exhibited by some bathers on Cape Town’s beaches yesterday. The police minister conducted visits at nine venues, but things came to a head in Camps Bay, when The General clashed with a film crew and local politician JP Smith. A legal battle now looms.

Bheki Cele wants to fine rulebreakers on the beach

Earlier in the day, Cele said he’s in favour of introducing penalties for those who don’t comply. This, after observing a whole raft of beachgoers who failed to wear masks or socially distance. It’s not a great look for Cape Town, and residents have been reminded that their beaches can be closed down at ‘any time’ due to persistent rulebreaking.

“The country’s first Reconciliation Day under Lockdown level 1 on our beaches was less busy than usual. [Of] those that came out to swim, many did wear their masks and practiced social distancing. However as the day progressed, the numbers increased and on some beaches there was a total disregard of health protocols which is worrying.”

Bheki Cele vs JP Smith

The minister interacted with bathers of the various beaches and expressed his gratitude for many of them who observed COVID-19 protocols. Cele will now use his observations to make his contributions to the National Coronavirus Command Council. Meanwhile, an activity by a private company on the Camps Bay beach was shut down during the walkabout.

JP Smith, a member of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee, was overlooking a film shoot before clashing with Bheki Cele. The ANC stalwart closed down the production, much to the City’s dismay. Smith is now pursuing a costs order against the government, after the million-rand project was left in the lurch.

“The minister wanted to be the big man”: Drama on Cape Town beach

“The cameras were rolling and he wanted to be the big man. Unfortunately, that shoot was a R2.5 million international shoot. We have film, tourism, events industries desperate for employment and we can ill afford what happened yesterday – on a whim – misinterpreting a regulation and applying it. Somebody has to pay for the massive financial implications.”

JP Smith


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