Mpumalanga SAPS boasts new mouthpiece
The new spokesperson takes the forefront dealing with media while well-known Mpumalanga spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, heads the entire communications department of the provincial SAPS.
He might be new to Mpumalanga but he has been on SAPS media relations scene for more than two decades.
Colonel Mavela Masondo has taken on a new challenge, joining the Mpumalanga police communications department as the new spokesperson.
He is well-known as the mouthpiece for the national and Gauteng police.
He brings with him 22 years of experience and a hunger for community policing, which prompted his move to Mpumalanga.
“Working with the national police has prepared me for the move. I was in touch with many community media platforms from across the country, including from Mpumalanga. Being based at the national office was more administerial work and I want to be on the ground. I believe Mpumalanga will offer me that challenge,” he said.
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Masondo was born and raised in Soweto and started his SAPS career in 2004. Within a short while he was appointed as spokesperson of the Soweto Police. Four years later he became a warrant officer, then a captain promoted to the national office. He was then promoted to lieutenant colonel and deployed to the Gauteng police.
His deployment to Mpumalanga is as colonel.
Masondo was among 100 police officers who received conferment of ranks on Thursday, February 5, where the acting Mpumalanga police commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed him to the province and congratulate him on his new rank.
His education includes a national diploma in public relations, communication science and media studies from the Vaal University of Technology, a Baccalaureus Technologiae [BTech] at the Tshwane University of Technology, and some short courses on media relations with the University of Stellenbosch.
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“I am excited to hit the ground running and get to know all the media platforms Mpumalanga has on offer. I hope to work with both young and experienced journalists to bring police news closer to the communities of Mpumalanga,” he said.
Brigadier Donald Mdhluli is now the director of Mpumalanga SAPS communications, leading Masondo, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane and Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe.
