SELF-DETERMINATION and empowerment is something Lieutenant Colonel Nokulunga Basi is passionate about.

Basi, who was appointed as the Support Commander for the Durban North police station last year, is completing her Masters dissertation on research policy framework for women empowerment and gender equality in the SAPS through the Durban University of Technology.

She began her journey in the SAPS 17 years ago and has served the communities of Cramond, Inchanga and now Durban North.

Also read: Durban North cyclist pedals for charitable cause

“As Support Commander, my role is to ensure that we support operational members in terms of human resources, supply chain management, administration, and financial management. Communication is something that also falls under support. With communication, it really is about building partnerships with the community as well as letting them know what is going on in terms of crime patterns,” she said.

Football is another of Basi’s passions and it led her to find out more about the SAPS while studying in Durban.

“When I completed my matric in 2006, I came down to Durban to study. Football was one of my outlets and a sport I love. I used to play for a team managed by SAPS officials and through talking to them I saw how perhaps I could serve my community back home in Pietermaritzburg. When I returned home there was an advert for an admin clerk needed at Cramond SAPS. I applied and thankfully was accepted.

“Every promotion I’ve received I’ve used to improve myself. Yes there are courses that you can do which help you develop within the SAPS, but a key component for me is also self-development. I began my studies to better myself and empower myself. It is the reason why that is a part of my dissertation. I hope I can inspire young women who want a career in the police to consider it and give back to their community in whatever way they can,” she said.

For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook, X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here