It was the most exhilarating day filled with joy in the Limpopo SAPS yesterday, 03 September 2021, when the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe accompanied by all her Deputies, Major General Christine Moralakadi responsible for Corporate Services, Major General Jan Scheepers, responsible for Policing and Major General Samuel Manala, responsible for the Detectives, inaugurates the twelve newly-promoted police officers to various strategic management posts in the province.
The event took place at the Provincial SAPS head office boardroom in Limpopo under strict Covid-19 observations. However one could hear heels cracking the floor and ululations as the officers accents the podium to acknowledge their new ranks with salutes, as the police culture dictates.
The program was opened with a prayer by Lieutenant Colonel, (Chaplain) Mahlangu followed by a warm welcoming message by Major General Manala. It is heart-warming that we celebrate you while you are still alive, because most people wait until the memorium to acknowledge the hard and great things one has done while alive and I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge your dedication and hard work. Colleagues Congratulations! “Said Major General Manala.
Major General Morarakaladi outlined the purpose of the day as solely recognition and token of appreciation for the hard work each and every member exerts towards service deliver to the SAPS.
Major General Morarakaladi went on and introduced the newly appointed Senior Managers to the house as follows:
Colonels promoted to Brigadiers
Brigadier(Doctor) Mabasa C as the Provincial Head of Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, Brigadier Sigage BL as the Provincial Head of HRM, Monyela NJ as the Station Commander of Tubatse, Shirinda SF as the Station Commander of Seshego, Matseba ML as the Provincial Head of Supply chain Management and Brigadier Manganye TP as the Provincial Head of Financial Services.
Lieutenant Colonels promoted to fully fledged Colonels
Colonel Tladi PP, Colonel Sekete PT, Colonel Mothoa MJ, Colonel Kekane N.P, Colonel Ngobeni RM and Colonel Mphago ME.
The pinnacle of the day was when the Provincial Commissioner exchanged the members’ ranks. One could tell with the grin on their faces that it felt heavenly when the Provincial Commissioner personally removed the old ranks, and a prayer answered moments when she inaugurated the new multiple stared ranks on their shoulders.
Amongst the dignitaries who graced this meritorious event, were the District Commissioners and the Provincial Heads flanked by the Police Labour Unions representatives.
In her speech, the Provincial Commissioner highlighted that it was the most jovial and exceptional day to witness the beginning of a journey for the officers who will be assuming their new positions.
As we bestow the new responsibilities I would like to remind you to keep abreast with the SAPS mandate, the Section 205 of the constitution of South Africa, as well as your roles and responsibilities as police officers.
I have confidence on your capabilities and I believe you will be more creative and innovative enough to overcome the current challenges of policing in the modern world and the Covid-19 pandemic. “ Said Hadebe
In the words of Peter Drucker, I say to you” rank does not confer privilege or give power. It imposes responsibility, therefore I urge you to remain accountable and disciplined, encourage and nature your staff, and take everybody on board. Most importantly let service delivery be the core center of your working environments. “Said the Provincial Commissioner.
In closing, the Provincial Commissioner congratulated all newly appointed officers and welcomed them to the Middle management (MMS) level.
Major General Scheepers closed the ceremony with a vote of thanks and he also congratulated the officers on their new ranks. He reminded them that promotion is an attempt to inject more impetuous and capacity on strategic positions in the organisation to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in operations to curb crime and protect the community. Therefore let’s go out there and create a safe and secure South Africa for all. “He concluded”
Source: South African Police Service