POLOKWANE – There were smiles, applause and a few emotional moments at Jack Botes Hall on Friday as colleagues, government leaders, family and friends gathered to bid farewell to Limpopo provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.

Four decades of service come to an end

After four decades in the SAPS, Hadebe officially retires, bringing to a close a career that saw her become the first woman to serve as Limpopo’s provincial commissioner.

Known by many as the “Mother of Policing in Limpopo”, Hadebe was recognised for her leadership, commitment to fighting crime and dedication to serving communities across the province.

The farewell ceremony was attended by senior government officials, SAPS leadership, traditional leaders, policing partners and members of Hadebe’s family, who came together to celebrate her 40 years of public service.

Tributes highlight leadership and policing achievements

Speakers reflected on some of the province’s biggest policing successes during her tenure, including progress in tackling organised crime and high-profile criminal cases.

MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure Tony Rachoene praised Hadebe’s leadership, saying she had helped restore stability during a challenging period for policing in Limpopo.

Speaking on behalf of SAPS management, General V.S. Masingi described Hadebe as a leader who preferred to be out in the field with her officers rather than behind a desk. She said every promotion Hadebe received throughout her career was earned through hard work and dedication.

MEC for Transport and Community Safety Violet Mathye said Hadebe’s leadership helped strengthen policing in the province and thanked her for her years of service to the people of Limpopo.

Emotional farewell message and reflections

In an emotional farewell speech, Hadebe thanked everyone who had supported her throughout her policing career.

“I thank everyone who listened, believed in the vision and walked this journey with me. Together, we proved that when we work as one, we can make a meaningful difference.”

Although retiring from the police service, Hadebe said her commitment to serving communities is far from over.

“If there is one thing I would dedicate myself to, it would be family advocacy. I want to help rebuild families because strong families build strong communities, and strong communities build a safer nation.”

Looking back on the past 40 years, she summed up what had motivated her throughout her career in just a few words:

“My aim was to touch lives.”

Legacy of service continues beyond retirement

While Hadebe is stepping away from active policing, those who gathered to honour her agreed that her influence on policing in Limpopo will continue long after her retirement.