Station commander geared up

“With all the different cultures and working in a male dominant environment, it is important to have a good relationship with the personnel and to be a good leader,” she says.

But a leader has to have followers, therefore she believes in team work and does not want anyone to look at her gender or colour, but look at her as their leader and colleague.

She started her career at the age of 22, as a constable at the municipality police and when they were incorporated with the police force she went for her basic training in Hammanskraal.

“I always wanted to be a policewoman and through hard work and many challenges, I can finally look back to a very successful career,” she says.

In April 2011, ranked as colonel, she accepted the transfer to the Springs Police Station as acting station commander.

On June 1, 2011, she was promoted to the rank of brigadier and after only two months in the chair, she was promoted to Springs station commander.

Although Brig Gwebushe lives in Alberton, she does not see driving to Springs to fulfil her duties as an obstacle. She is actively involved when needed.

She has three daughters and is proud to say that the eldest daughter, Amanda Mahlatje, has followed in her footsteps and joined the police force as a constable in Soweto.

“I go to the gymnasium everyday after work and look after my health,” she says with a smile.

She also maintains an open-door policy and feels it is very important that her subordinates, such as the younger constables and trainees, not only see her as their mentor, but also as a mother figure, so that they can come to her with any problem they have, even if it is personal.

“We have employee health and wellness councillors, social workers, psychologists, chaplains and pastors for support if help is needed,” she says.

Dudu Molekwa, secretary to the brigadier, says her superior is a nice person to work with and is very caring.

“She is very honest and I have not seen her angry,” she adds.

The station commander says there is a definite reduction in crime since she started two years ago and believes it is due to the fact that the police have a very good relationship with the Community Police Forums and sector forums.

“The achievements reached are very positive as I believe in discipline, positive people and I respect my staff.”

With Women’s Month, Brig Gwebushe’s advice to women of all cultures is to get involved in projects to make a difference to the disadvantaged, a subject very close to her heart.