Deputy Minister of Police, FA Mbalula
All MECs present
National Commissioner of Police, General BH Cele
Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Police, Ms S Chikunga
Chairperson of the Select Committee in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), T Mofokeng
All South African Police Service (SAPS) Lieutenant Generals, Senior officers and staff present
Families, relatives, friends and colleagues of our fallen heroes
Distinguished guests
Members of the media
Ladies and gentlemen
We stand here today on this National Commemoration Day, on behalf of the leadership, management and staff of the South African Police Service (SAPS), with our hearts filled with grief and sadness.
We bow our heads in respect and honour to 110 police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, from 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010. We shall never forget their dedication and contribution to the just cause of human stability.These heroes were the shields of the nation and carried with them immense responsibilities on their shoulders. They protected, served, empowered with excellence, right until their untimely passing.
By taking a stance against crime and all its evils, this can be the best memory we can afford these unsung heroes who put their country’s welfare above their own. On this occasion, we further pay tribute to all the men and women in blue in our midsts, who selflessly continue to dedicate their lives to the noble cause safeguarding others from heartless criminals.
During the commemoration of the National Police Day held in Bloemfontein the 29 January this year, we highlighted that, and I quote: ‘The SAPS and indeed South Africa is immensely blessed to have the kind of police officers we have. We say with conviction that there are lots of good men and women within the Force.’
At the time, we said it was appropriate to recognise our members’ commitment to serve as well as their selfless dedication to the safety of the Republic of South Africa. Again, we said ‘no insurmountable pressure or working conditions, which at times are unpleasant can discourage or negatively influence their dedication and loyalty to protect those who are vulnerable and insecure.’
We also spoke to an improvement related to our members’ human resource issues, which by the way forms part of the many priorities of this leadership and management. This leadership and management have therefore committed ourselves to ensuring that we do not honour police members on their funerals or on occasions such as these, but we shall honour them while they are still alive.
We have commenced this undertaking by reviewing and relooking our current human resource developments. We want to correct the mistakes of the past by ensuring that surviving family members are accorded their benefits on time, seamlessly and fairly.
Those who are inside the SAPS and tasked with administering such processes, either have to start doing things smarter and faster, or else create space for those who are committed to serving. The lazy practice of sending people from pillar to post without any help, must be a thing of the past. We need to improve now.This is one of the best memories we can honour these fallen heroes.
Today, on this momentous occasion we find it appropriate to announce a first of its kind initiative within the SAPS. The National Commissioner and management of the police have come to a decision to establish a SAPS Education Trust Fund, aimed at supporting the educational needs of those children whose parents or guardians died in the line of duty.
It has come to our attention and a sad trend for that matter that most of these departed members die while they are still fairly young. In most instances, the majority had served the Force for less than 10 years. So in essence although SAPS pays out their pensions and policy benefits to their families, it is evidently impossible that such payments will sustain these widows, widowers or the wellbeing of their children.
The criteria in terms of permissibility into this Trust Fund will be voluntary but consideration will be on the neediest.We shall strive to ensure that strict corporate governance guidelines are adhered to.Furthermore, ensure that the fund’s administration and management placed under individuals of highest moral standing and character.
To this end we shall also draw from both public and private sector representatives whose expertise shall help in ensuring that the intended funds benefit these children. When we first mooted and conducted feasibility ideas around this proposed concept, there were already some private sector institutions who expressed interests to partner and bring on board their experiences.It is envisaged that the Trust Fund will be fully operational by January 2011.
Whilst we are not unrealistic that through this Trust Fund, we shall have addressed all the late members’ children’s educational needs, but firmly believe it is a step in the right direction.This is but one of the many initiatives that we are reviewing, which will begin to enhance our message: ‘SAPS Members, My Family. Together Pushing Back the Frontiers of Evil.’
Circumstances upon which our members lose their lives may vary, whether it is being shot by heartless criminals to accidents that unexpectedly occur while our members chase these scoundrels.Irrespective of the circumstance, we shall never accept such untimely losses, not because we cannot but because it is unacceptable. No monetary value can ever replace these members’ lives.No amount of punishment to the scoundrels who murder our police can soften our hearts to accept these evil acts.
Whilst we could never bring them to life, we remain convinced that the best form of legacy we can implant, is towards investing in their children’s education. The uprooting of crime and criminals in our society, pushing back the frontiers of poverty and ignorance, building of sustainable communities depends on every member of the SAPS. It is the task of all of us here who are still alive, to fully grasp the meaning, significance and purpose of our duty to serve society with diligence.
Today South Africa has become a stage for the international community to celebrate humanity and achievement of friendships.Without doubt, to a greater degree, it is through the immense contribution of the fallen heroes we are commemorating today. In their memory we must, together, continue to improve our capacity to deliver a crushing blow to crime and those who commit it. This is our conviction, our purpose and a debt we profoundly owe to these heroes.
In their memory we must, together, as members of the Force, serve our society with dedication, humility and care. SAPS Members, My Family. Together pushing back the frontiers of evil.
I thank you.
Enquiries:
Zweli Mnisi
Tel: 012 393 4341 or 021 467 7007
Fax: 012 393 2833
Cell: 082 045 4024
E-mail: zwelim@saps.org.za
