On Monday, 04 October 2021, Kwa-Zulu Natal Police Duo, Major General Phumelele Makoba and Brigadier Francis Bantham were both recognized by the Turkish Ambassador, together with the CEO of Defy, for their outstanding work of protecting the Ladysmith Defy Production Factory during the unrest in July 2021.

Major General Makoba, the first female senior officer to be appointed as the KZN: Deputy Provincial Commissioner: Policing and Brigadier Bantham – Uthukela Acting District Commissioner, both received prestigious awards on behalf of Defy, as well as received a personal message of appreciation by the Turkish Ambassador, who is currently in Durban.

During the unrest in July 2021, the Defy factory which is based in Ladysmith, in Brigadier Bantham’s policing precinct was looted. The brave Brigadier Bantham, immediately dispatched a team to disperse the looters, and personally went out on the field to recover a looted fridge, after hours of dispersing the crowd. Brigadier Bantham also mobilised the community of the Uthukela District to stand together to protect the Defy Production Factory.

The Turkish Ambassador praised Major General Makoba and Brigadier Bantham for protecting the Defy Production sites during the Unrest and for ensuring that the factories were kept safe, especially from being vandalised or destroyed, as it would hamper the service delivery process, which will have a major impact on the economy.

The Turkish Ambassador also commended Major General Makoba and Brigadier Bantham for always keeping in contact with the Turkish Embassy and the CEO of Defy during the Unrest, especially during the late hours in the night to ensure everything was in order at the Defy Production site.

Brigadier Bantham, also holds the title of the Kwa-Zulu Natal Women’s Network Champion was ecstatic after receiving her award, together with her commander, Major General Makoba. “Being in the South African Police Service for 31 years as a female officer has always been challenging, it always requires us to go ‘beyond the call of duty’ to prove our dedication to the South African Police Service and the honour we take to always hold the image of the SAPS high. As the Champion of the Kwa-Zulu Natal Women’s Network, I always motivate our female officers to progress in their daily tasks and always ensure the world knows that you are a strong and powerful woman”, she said.

“Receiving this award from the Turkish Ambassador is really a mark in history for myself and Major General Makoba, it is also living proof that women in the South African Police Service can also work extreme conditions and excel in such a way, that the entire Country will recognize their success”, she added.

KZN: Deputy Provincial Commissioner: Policing, Major General Makoba expressed her gratitude to the Turkish Ambassador and CEO of Defy for honouring herself and Brigadier Bantham for their outstanding policing during the Unrest. “Working in the South African Police Service is extremely challenging, especially as a female Senior Manager, as there is a lot of responsibilities which sit on your shoulders at any part of the day, and you have to balance these responsibilities, along with your daily tasks to ensure the Division of Policing for KZN is running smoothly”, she said.

“Being recognized today as a recipient of this prestigious award is extremely heart-warming for me, especially since being in the South African Police Service, it is not everyday that you are honoured by the Turkish Ambassador and receiving such praise for the work you have done, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Turkish Ambassador for honouring myself and Brigadier Bantham today, and we will always ensure that we work extremely hard to keep the Province of Kwa-Zulu Natal safe”, she added.

Source: South African Police Service