No seat too hot for Police Union Chairperson
His strong stance and determined attitude makes Solly Bulala the right person for the job.
POLOKWANE – “I am a man who does not stand down when there is a cause worth fighting for,” says South African Police Union (SAPU) Chairperson, Solly Bulala.
“I believe people and their rights should be protected and that is something I am willing to die for,” he explained.
These words found even bigger meaning for him a few years ago when there was an attempt on his life for exposing fraud and corruption.
“I have been warned in the past that my unmovable stance on fighting for what is right will bring me and my family many tears, but I am determined to fight for people and what is right, regardless of the dangers involved,” he told BONUS.
His beliefs has also seen him being removed from his position for “not being a team player” when he stood by his principals and didn’t look the other way. As his investigation into fraud and corruption in the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) saw him stepping on several toes.
Solly standing up for people and their rights began at a young age when he joined the police force. One of the biggest requirements for someone in his current position is to have the trust of the people he serves.
“Trust means a lot. You as a union representative have the power to change the lives of people who may feel they have nowhere to go and no one to assist them,” he added.
He said although police officers are tasked with looking after the needs of the public, there are times when they are in need of someone to look after them and their rights. This, he explained, is where he comes in.
“I believe no one should live in fear because they have no place to go and no one to turn to. Along with that, I am a strong vindicator for remembering those officers who paid the ultimate price of protecting the people with their lives.” In his years of service he has received the Premier’s Service Excellence Award twice for his service and his personal involvement in reports and investigations done on various issues.
Being a father and a husband, Solly said it is important to separate his work from his personal life. “Being successful means being the best in both worlds, there can be no compromise. Another important aspect of being successful is to always have God with you, whether at home or at work,” he explained.
His advice to others who want to join the police is that they should ensure this line of work is their calling and not simply a means to a paycheck.
“We need men and women who have a passion for the service, not just someone who sees the police as simply a job. It is something that calls for caring about people and serving them unselfishly,” Solly concluded.
