Bheki Cele idols

Bheki Cele meets the winner of Idols S18 – Photo: Supplied

‘Wasting resources’: Public FURY as Bheki Cele attends Idols final

Bheki Cele offered his support to Idols winner Thapelo Molomo on Sunday – but his appearance at the final has stirred controversy.

Bheki Cele idols

Bheki Cele meets the winner of Idols S18 – Photo: Supplied

On Sunday evening, The management of the South African Police (SAPS) congratulated Warrant Officer Thapelo Molomo, after he was crowned the Idols Season 18 winner. He was also visited by Bheki Cele. However, the Police Minister’s appearance at the final has left Mzansi divided.

Who is Idols winner Thapelo Molomo? Singing copper strikes a chord…

Born and bred in Mokopane in Limpopo, Thapelo Molomo began his career in the SAPS as an intern within the Psychological Services Section and was later employed to serve as a trauma counsellor in the same environment. He also holds a B.A (Hons) Psychology degree.

Mr. Molomo is responsible for providing counselling and proactive psychological interventions to alleviate mental health ills for police members and their families. Bheki Cele, who attended the finale has on behalf of the SAPS, congratulated the newly crowned winner last night.

“The member serves as a beacon of hope for many police officers who are on a daily basis faced with psychosocial challenges… We are proud of him and wish him all the best. We cannot wait to have him back in office to continue serving our men and women in blue.”

“By winning this season of Idols, Thapelo Molomo has illustrated to thousands of officers that hard work, determination and perseverance is the ultimate foundation of any successful human being.” | Bheki Cele

Bheki Cele slammed for Idols appearance

Despite these kind words, however, the same treatment has not been afforded to the senior ANC figure. Cele isn’t exactly a popular politician. Recent utterances and a questionable record of achievement have put the Police Minister under intense scrutiny this year.

With South Africa still struggling to contain its crime epidemic, the sight of Mr. Cele attending a glitzy TV finale hasn’t set well with everyone. He has been accused of everything from ‘ignoring SA’s real problems’, to ‘wasting taxpayer money’. Eish, tough crowd…