SAPS Women’s Month celebrations are aimed at inspiring and uplifting women, fostering a sense of unity and resilience within communities.

These celebrations also serve as a platform to highlight the achievements and challenges faced by women in law enforcement, encouraging them to continue serving and protecting their communities.

Brakpan police ended Women’s Month with a fitness session and sanitary pads drive.

“The objective of the event was to encourage women from all aspects of life to endeavour in regular physical training, which will assist them with reducing mental health issues and promote their physical health,” said Constable Audrey Buthelezi, Brakpan SAPS social crime prevention and communications officer.

The event was further aimed at collecting sanitary pads to be donated to young girls in need at schools within the Brakpan area.

“Brakpan SAPS believes that sanitary pads donation at schools will contribute to the girls’ health and dignity, helping them maintain their physical and emotional well-being,” said Buthelezi.

“This will prevent the girls from missing school and empower them to attend school without fear of stigma and harassment related to menstrual hygiene issues.”

The event started with a 5km walk, followed by a 45-minute session of aerobics. Women in law enforcement and the community enjoyed the event with their families and friends, while others brought along their canine companions.

Attendees each donated a packet of sanitary pads as an entrance fee for the event.

In attendance were Brakpan SAPS station commander Brigadier Johanna Ngoma, EMPD Brakpan precinct commander Chief Superintendent Innocentia Keetse, and shift commanders Lieutenant Colonel Mpumi Ndlovu and Warrant Officer Anna Selala.

Among the many participants was an elderly wheelchair-bound resident ,who was very enthusiastic and excited to complete the 5km.

“The SAPS encourages women to not only look back at the events they have shared during the month of August but to truly reflect on the meaning behind them,” said Buthelezi.

ALSO READ: Die Just Wheels Motorklub se opdag laat die wiele inrol

“Women’s Month is more than just a calendar observation. It is a powerful reminder of the courage, resilience, and leadership that women bring in societies and in the SAPS every single day.

“From the frontlines of crime prevention to the quiet but critical work behind the scenes, women in the SAPS have shown that service is not defined by gender, but by dedication, integrity and heart.”

Buthelezi stated that local police stand firmly with a renewed commitment to create an environment where women feel valued, respected and empowered.

“To stand united against all forms of discrimination and violence. To mentor, uplift, and open doors for the next generation of women leaders,” added Buthelezi.

She extended gratitude towards Brakpan CPF interim chairperson Simon Mabuse and his members, Guardian Angels medical responders team, Secure Tech Security, VC SUPERSPAR, Housewives Trust, Greater Brakpan Scholar Transport Association and Brakpan Education Services Corporative, Harcourts Real Estate, Empire Media and every community member who donated towards the initiative.