Fit cop wins gold for KZN

Fitness fanatic and Tongaat SAPS communications officer Lt Mandy Govender brought home a gold medal from the SAPS national functional and fitness championships.
The event was held in Cape Town from October 21 to 25 and Mandy described it as one of the best experiences of her life.
This 52-year-old was the first Indian female to enter the championships since their inception 15 years ago. She won a gold medal for completing a 400 metre obstacle course in eight minutes.
“The course was very difficult. It had two metre pits, four walls and ladders but my experience in athletics saw me coming out first,” said Mandy.
This grandmother of three said she was proud to represent her province and even prouder to have earned a gold medal. She said she hoped her achievement would also inspire other people to reach for their dreams no matter how old they are.
“Life is about constantly reinventing yourself and you do that by going after what you want. I recently learned how to do classical Indian dance and performed at a function for the first time a few weeks ago. Now I can say one of my childhood dreams has been realised.”
When Mandy is not dealing with reporters, she investigates missing persons and domestic violence cases. She is also a forerunner in social crime prevention and youth projects.
Mandy joined the force in 1983 after having worked in a motor parts firm for a short while. She said her passion has always been helping people and being a policewoman helps her do that as it also allows her to volunteer her skills to non-profit organisations.
She also pilots a crime awareness and motivation show that airs on Goodnews FM every Friday morning. Mandy said this has allowed her to connect with people further than the North Coast and said her followers keep in contact with her via phone and social networks all the time.
“I am constantly busy with my work and outreach projects but when I get time I like to go to the gym or spend time with my five children and grandchildren who are my greatest joy,” concluded Mandy.