Durban: The South African Police Service (SAPS) will from Friday initiate a series of activities and events in anticipation of National Police Day, set for next Monday. In 2005, the Cabinet designated January 27 as National Police Day. On this day, SAPS honors the sacrifices made by the nation’s law enforcement personnel who strive to ensure safety for all residents of South Africa.

According to South African Government News Agency, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, along with Deputy Ministers of Police Cassel Mathale and Polly Boshielo, will join National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola in leading a delegation of senior leadership and SAPS members to participate in the build-up activities. The events include the SAPS National Golf Day, which will take place on January 24, 2025, at Mount Edgecombe Country Club in KwaZulu-Natal. This event aims to raise funds for the SAPS Education Trust Fund (SAPSET), which supports the educational needs of children whose parents died in the line of duty. To date, over 1,000 children have been aided by the fund, with 18 recent matriculants achieving a combined 17 distinctions.

The build-up will also feature the National Excellence Awards on January 26, 2025, at the Durban International Conference Centre. The awards recognize outstanding performance, community relations, and courage within SAPS, with over 30 categories including the National Commissioner’s Awards and the Ministry Awards.

National Police Day on January 27, 2025, at Kings Park Athletics Stadium in Durban, allows SAPS management to evaluate progress in crime prevention, combat, and investigation over the past year. The day is also an opportunity to acknowledge current members and honor those who have died in the line of duty.