Bejani Chauke Biography, Age and Qualifications

Bejani Chauke is a 52-year-old political advisor and strategist born on June 16th, 1971, and widely recognized for serving as the principal political advisor to President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Following his overwhelming commitment and involvement in Ramaphosa’s CR17 campaign, Bejani Chauke was rewarded with the position of the President’s special adviser after Cyril Ramaphosa won the election. He, however, resigned from the position after almost five years but has continued to work as the President’s advisor on a voluntary basis. In May 2023, he was part of the team of high-level officials sent by Ramaphosa to Ukraine and Russia for a peace initiative.

What Is Bejani Chauke’s Age?

Bejani Chauke is 52 years old. The seasoned political advisor was born on June 16th, 1971, and his place of birth is Green Farm in Malamulele, Limpopo. He also grew up in his hometown, which is now known as the Collins Chabane Local Municipality in Vhembe District in Limpopo.

Chauke had a humble beginning as he grew up an orphan, and it was the experience he had in his formative years that propelled him to establish Dr. BF Chauke Foundation. Through the non-profit organization, he has assisted orphans and the elderly in underprivileged communities.

Bejani Chauke’s Qualifications

In addition to having a successful political career as an advisor and strategist, Bejani Chauke has achieved impressive academic success. He has attained several academic qualifications over the years. For his high school education, Chauke attended Nkatini High School. In 1996, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of the North, and in the next year, he bagged a Higher Diploma in Education from the same university.

Later, in 1998, he obtained a Bachelor in Education (Honours) degree from his alma mater – the University of the North, as well as a Master’s degree in Psychology of Education (2002). He then moved to Technikon Pretoria (now known as Tshwane University of Technology) to acquire a Doctorate in Education in 2006. Also, Bejani Chauke is completing a Master’s in Corporate Strategy studies at GIBS Business School.

Furthermore, the renowned political strategist has obtained certificates in advanced courses that include:

• Certificate in Strategic Planning, Strategic Management (UNISA, 2009)
• Political & Policy Adivor’s Course Certificate (University of Sydney / Australian Labour Intl., 2014)
• Certificate in Business Psychology & Human Behaviour (UNISA, 2015)

Nakhensa 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/wkysBD5lJx

— Dr Bejani Chauke (@bejani7) December 23, 2022

Bejani Chauke Was Appointed Principal Political Advisor to the President in 2018

Bejani Chauke became involved in politics from a young age and, thus, has a long history of political activism in the African National Congress (ANC) during the apartheid era. He became known for his work within the ANC, especially in outreach and fundraising. Hence, in 2014, the ruling party funded his Political and Policy Advisor’s Course at the University of Sydney.

Having been a close confidante of President Cyril Ramaphosa, he was made the campaign manager for his CR17 campaign in June 2016. However, he was accused of bribing conference delegates and branches during the campaign season. Chauke’s effort was said to have hugely contributed to Cyril Ramaphosa’s election victory at the 2017 ANC conference, defeating the likes of Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma in the leadership race.

He was then appointed political advisor to the president on August 1st, 2018, and was allegedly asked to focus on the African National Congress campaign in the 2019 general election. After Cyril Ramaphosa was re-elected South African president in May 2019, Bejani Chauke was reappointed as his political advisor. He was reportedly the president’s right-hand man and fixer, and Ramaphosa allegedly could not make a move without the seasoned political strategist.

Bejani Chauke’s ANC Treasurer General Bid

In early 2022, Chauke was embroiled in the Phala Phala Farm robbery scandal and was reportedly the person who brought in the millions of dollars stashed in the sofa from Johannesburg to Limpopo. Consequently, he decided to work full-time as the ANC Treasurer-General, leaving his presidency adviser role. Hence, he contested for election during the ANC’s 55th National Conference held in September 2022.

Ward 22 , Collins Chabane sub-region, Limpopo a branch of Dr Bejani Chauke has nominated him for the position of TG. @NatashaN_Phiri @samkelemaseko @SABCNews pic.twitter.com/43lD6PFKKA

— Tonny Myambo🇿🇦🇧🇼 (@RivalaniMyambo) October 3, 2022

Chauke emerged as the frontrunner for the post and won many branches. He reportedly resigned from his role as the president’s special adviser at the time, and unfortunately, he lost his bid to become the ANC Treasurer General. Nevertheless, he was appointed to the party’s National Executive Committee – the ANC’s highest decision-making body between conferences.

He is also said to be a voluntary special adviser to the president, though he resigned from his previous role in the presidency. Bejani Chauke, in May 2023, was appointed by the president as one of the top officials who would be working on the preparations for the Ukraine-Russia peace talks led by African countries. Hence, he now assumes the role of President Special Envoy: Strategic Relations & Investment.

Bejani Chauke’s Previous Roles in Government

In February 2005, Bejani Chauke was made the manager for strategic management and business planning in the North West Provincial Legislature. Meanwhile, he previously served as the economic advisor to Hosi Madonsi of Malamulele Village in Collins Chabane Municipality. He then climbed the political ladder to become a special advisor to the North West Provincial Government in April 2010.

He particularly served as the chief of staff and political advisor to former North West Premier Maureen Modiselle. Also, the 52-year-old was the political advisor to Minister Thandi Modise from July 2014 to August 2022. At the time, she was the Premier of the North West and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces. She additionally served as the Speaker of the National Assembly.

In May 2022, Bejani Chauke joined the Circle of Advisors of the AfroChampions Initiative and has been active on the platform since then. Additionally, he became the managing director of Acute Strategies Consulting in January 2010 and has retained the executive role for more than 13 years now.

Who Is Bejani Chauke’s Wife?

Family pic.twitter.com/O3ZaY3t7iT

— Dr Bejani Chauke (@bejani7) June 26, 2022

Although Bejani Chauke is said to be a married man, the identity of his wife is yet to be made public. Since joining politics, he has always maintained a fine balance between his personal and professional life. Thus, he has kept a relatively low public profile, and as a result, details of his wife and children have been unavailable.