Police officers awarded for loyalty to serving the public
"Police officials successfully answered the call for the recent national shutdown and we were able to do so because private security companies also stepped in to assist," said Major General Nozipho Madondo in her congratulatory speech.
They are out on the front line every day…
And during the Covid-19 national lockdown, they had to risk their own lives to ensure the health and safety of others.
The unprecedented July 2021 riots again tested the mettle of the ‘men and women in blue’, as again did the most recent national shutdown that was planned for March 20.
This is over and above what the ‘ordinary’ police officer does daily to protect and serve.
It was this dedication that was rewarded on March 30 at a medal parade held at the Oval Sports Ground, to honour those devoted members who have notched up ‘long service’ of 10, 20 and 30 years.
Major General Francis Slambert (Umzinyathi Cluster commander) and fellow officers Major General Nozipho Madondo (Umgungundlovu District commander) and Brigadier Buthelezi graced this prestigious awards ceremony with their presence.
Major General Slambert gave the keynote address, expressing her admiration for all the awardees’ accomplishments. “It gives me great pleasure to address you today, because you have received your medals for ‘long service’. You are shining examples, and we are all here to celebrate the number of years you have shown your dedication to the SAPS and to the community,” said Slambert. She added that medal parades are held in recognition of officers’ efforts, some of which are known to others and some of which are not. “Many SAPS officers have endured trauma along the way, while others lost their lives or those of their partners. Wear your medal with pride; wear it to show your bravery in moving from the training college to being a constable and climbing your way up to where you are today,” Slambert told the parade.
She continued to say that the SAPS should have a clear mission and that everyone should be secure and satisfied with their service.
“The community of Umzinyathi needs to be secure, so we must make that happen.”
She concluded by thanking local security companies for working with the SAPS to combat crime in the area.
“Police officials successfully answered the call for the recent national shutdown and we were able to do so because private security companies also stepped in to assist,” said Major General Nozipho Madondo in her congratulatory speech.
She added that police officials encounter a variety of difficulties at their workplaces, which they need to overcome for the benefit of their communities. She concluded by saying, “Do not be afraid of challenges; bravely face them and continue serving the community with pride and dedication; the country relies on us.”
Slambert, Madondo and Buthelezi took pleasure in awarding all the medal recipients for their loyal service.
Centenary medals were also presented to the recipients.
