The SAPS on Thursday saluted Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane for her dedication, leadership, and distinguished service to the people of South Africa when they bid farewell to her at Woodlands Country Lodge in Parys. Motswenyane has been the Free State Provincial Commissioner since 2019 and will be retiring from active service after 37 years. Colleagues and officers paid glowing tributes to her, describing her as a mother figure, an inspirational leader, and a praying warrior.

She is widely credited for leaving a lasting impact on countless careers and for being a steadfast pillar of support to her subordinates during challenging times, leading with calmness, authority, and wisdom.

During her outstanding career, Motswenyane served the SAPS in both operational and support environments as branch commander and station commander, before she became the first woman in the country to be appointed as area commissioner for the SAPS. Thereafter, she was the deputy provincial commissioner.

In 2016, she became provincial commissioner for the North West province. She then served a second term as provincial commissioner – this time for the Free State province.

Speaking on behalf of Strategic Partners, the regional commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), S Moodley, expressed heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation for Motswenyane’s outstanding service to the Free State. She highlighted her unwavering dedication, integrity, and selflessness, noting that these qualities set a remarkable example of leadership and professionalism.

Moodley further applauded the strong stakeholder relationships in the province, nurtured and strengthened through Motswenyane’s guidance and leadership.

The acting national commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General TC Mosikili, honoured Motswenyane for more than three decades of distinguished service, stating: “It is with a mix of pride, respect, and sadness that we honour Lieutenant General BB Motswenyane, a true servant of the people, for over three decades of distinguished service to the South African Police Service.”

“Her leadership has been a testament to dignity, integrity, and unwavering commitment. She has exemplified what it means to lead from the front, carrying the weight of command as a privilege to protect and serve.”

Free State MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Jabu Mbalula, praised Motswenyane, describing her as a trailblazer who exemplified courage and compassionate leadership in a male-dominated environment. He noted that she created space for herself, took command, and wrote her own history, leaving behind a legacy of firm yet fair, strong yet compassionate leadership, having “mothered the safety of this province.”

Motswenyane’s remarkable journey from Sergeant to Lieutenant General was also highlighted by the Free State Premier, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, who applauded Motswenyane’s lifelong commitment to the SAPS.

The Premier acknowledged the General’s SOEG Gold Medal for outstanding service and commended her leadership in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and in fostering collaboration with stakeholders to combat crime. She reflected on meaningful initiatives under Motswenyane’s leadership, including the establishment of the FS Wall of Remembrance at Parkweg SAPS, honouring fallen members.

In her farewell address, Motswenyane expressed deep gratitude to her colleagues, family, and friends, reflecting on her journey since joining the Service in 1989. She acknowledged the mentors and commanders who guided, supported, and encouraged her throughout her career.

The SAPS also extended sincere appreciation to the Motswenyane family at the farewell function, for their unwavering support and for sharing Motswenyane with the organisation over many years.