Local SAPS woman of power leads by example
Hadebe is a career-oriented woman and achieved her successes through hard work.
A powerful woman with a high position in the Mpumalanga SAPS to be celebrated this month is Lt Gen Monica Thembi Hadebe from Elukwatini.
Hadebe has been in various positions in the SAPS for the past 35 years. She is the newly appointed first female provincial commissioner of Limpopo.
She assumed this position on May 1.
Hadebe is also the national chairperson of the Police Music Association of South Africa.
“In Mpumalanga, we initiated a number of social responsibility projects through which we built houses for the needy, furnished them and bought school uniforms for needy children. We adopted three children in Pienaar and a house was built for them, and we provide them with groceries and ensure that they were attending school,” she said.
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This God-fearing woman and a mother of four attributed her elevation to the grace of the God. “I am convinced that God wanted me here. I am therefore in Limpopo to be the ripple effect of change and be a beacon of hope in this community that I’m serving. Remaining steadfast for your dreams and keeping a positive attitude, no matter how challenging the situation you face may be, will realise them.”
She has been instrumental in keeping her colleagues motivated and remaining focused on their duties. “I attended to everyone regardless of status, and I successfully attended to many concerns from the community that had cemented their trust in me.”
She is inspired by nature, the aspirations of women like Charlotte Maxeke and the resilience of powerful women.
Hadebe started her police career in 1986 when she joined the then KaNgwane Police at KaNyamazane Police Station. She worked at Elukwatini Police Station, and Ekulindeni and Matsulu SAPS Visible Policing until 1990.
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In 1995 she obtained a diploma in police administration. Her determination saw her acquiring a B Tech degree in policing in 2001, then a certificate in project management. She successfully managed a number of projects and major events in the sector. She obtained an LLB qualification from Unisa in 2020.
Hadebe has been the deputy provincial commissioner of human resource management for the past 12 years.
She believes government can do more for victims of abuse. “The issue of sheltering for battered women needs urgent attention and expansion to all sectors of the community. There is a need for a one-stop centre for refuge and psychological support for them.”
She also urged parents and guardians to raise girls and boys to be the men and women they desire to see in this country.
