CAPRICORN DISTRICT – The District Commissioner of Capricorn District, Major General Lesiba Mashilo led from the front when he and his Management hosted Heritage day which was coupled with a farewell function of the veteran Senior Manager, Brigadier MA Maloma on Wednesday, 05 October 2022 at Mata Guest House in Senwabarwana policing precinct.

Senwabarwana policing area was painted with beautiful colours of diverse cultural attires to showcase their traditions. Heritage month is known to be celebrated in September but the Capricorn District saw the need to host it in order to address some issues in relation to crime in general through this type of an event.

The prestigious event saw a great attendance of members of SAPS from different police Stations with distinguished guests such as Deputy Capricorn District Commissioner, Brigadier Sivhula, Home Affairs officials, Provincial Champion for Men For Change Lieutenant Colonel Sekgota, Women’s Network Champion Lieutenant Colonel Mokoena and Provincial Corporate Communication official, Lieutenant Colonel Mapaya.

In addition, District Champion for Men For Change Captain Maleka, Capricorn Community Policing Forum (CPF) Chairperson Mr Makwela, members of the Young Civilians On Patrol (YCOP) also graced the event that was supported by the community of Senwabarwana and surrounding areas who came out in numbers.

Entrainment groups comprised of the likes of Jubilant Choir, Kofifi ya Botlokwa, Lekompo, Traditional groups, poets and artists who were in the traditional outfits to showcase their talents.

Presenting words of support, District’s Men For Change Champion Captain Maleka urged men to stop abusing women and children but rather to protect and love them. CPF Chairperson, Mr Makwela encouraged the masses to establish and launch Community Policing Forums in their areas to combat crime.

“I have learnt that all work without play makes John a dull boy, it is for this reason we made time to come here to celebrate this day and we know that in our journey to celebrate this day we are also doing our job to address issues of Gender Based Violence” Says Major General Mashilo as he delivers his keynote address.

General Mashilo encouraged members of the community to go back to their roots and teach young children about their culture and heritage as this will instil them with knowledge of humanity and morality.

“Back in the days we used to play with girls and able to go together into the bushes to take care of the livestock, collect firewood without commission of crime. Saying this or that task belongs that gender, because we wanted to see ourselves having a better tomorrow, today we can’t talk about those things because we have left our ways of doing things and focused on blaming the world for changing. Let us then go back to our homes and teach our children the right way of living.” Said Major General Mashilo.

“A culture well taught is a culture well thought and a culture well thought is a culture that will be able to be taken forward” concludes Major General Mashilo as he shares some words of wisdom with the community.

Source: South African Police Service