Community leader and newly retired Saps Captain Ranjith Rampersad was honoured with a Laureate Award.

Apostle Mervin Mundie, leader and founder of Christian Outreach Ministries, presented the accolade to Rampersad in the presence of clergy members in Umzinto on August 30.

The award ceremony highlighted his integrity, patriotism and lifelong dedication to community safety and social cohesion.

In addition to his policing career, Rampersad was specially commended for his administrative and legal contributions to civil society.

Notably, he authored the Christian Outreach Ministries’ Constitution and successfully secured its official non-profit organisation number from the Department of Social Development.

The event also carried personal significance. His 86-year-old uncle, Pastor Harry Rampersad, complimented his nephew for his outstanding role in the community and to the various congregations.

Rampersad’s community service spans dozens of local boards, welfare societies and public initiatives.

This includes Khumbula Ikhaya (House of Safety) serving as the organisation’s deputy chairperson and PRO; Umzinto Child and Family Welfare Society and Sinethemba Youth Care Society, protecting vulnerable children and youth; Umzinto Community Police Forum and Umzimkhulu Area Policing Board; serving on the committee for a new satellite station at Malangeni; being part of the Malangeni Disaster Committee, part of the Umzinto Flood Disaster Committee and Hamper Drive and many more.

He has also worked with the Umzinto Aryan Benevolent Homes and Feed the Babies Campaign; Umzinto Traffic Safety Association and the National Road Safety Council, championing road safety and pedestrian awareness; Independent Electoral Commission and Census South Africa; Basic Education and school governance as a School Governing Body treasurer and chairperson of Roseville Secondary and Umzinto Secondary disciplinary committees.

Rampersad has been involved in the Umzinto Civic Association and Umzinto Ratepayers’ Association, advocating for transparent local governance, community development and social justice. He is also well-known for his community journalism.

He is the founder and a member of the Umdoni 1860 Legacy Foundation as well as the Umzinto Athletics Club.

Mundie said that throughout his career, Rampersad has served his community and the police service with distinction and selflessness.

Rampersad expressed his gratitude to his peers, family, the congregation and the community.

“I am honoured to be bestowed with such a glorious award, which I receive with humility,” he said.

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