Deputy National Commissioners, Provincial and Divisional Commissioners present
National and Provincial Community Policing Forum representatives
Representatives of SABRIC and BACSA All SAPS members in attendance
Finalists of the Women's Prestige Awards
If there is one characteristic that every strong democracy in the world shares, it is a celebration and advancement of its women. A democracy without the participation of women is a contradiction in terms. So whenever we talk about how to support democracy, we must be sure that women are not just a part of the discussion, but at the table to help lead that discussion, and to remain committed to helping more women gain roles in their governments, their economies, and their civil societies. The South African Police Service (SAPS) Women's Network Celebration is a gallant reminder of the celebration of women’s progress and achievement in an inexpert democracy.
I’m delighted that in this country, in this government, in SAPS, supporting the rise of women leaders is a national priority. In our country, the number of women in SAPS has grown significantly. Women in blue are blazing a path for all who have the drive and desire to serve. Our dream and hope that someday there would be a woman National Commissioner of the South African Police Service became true in our lifetime. It is our time through excellence, unparalleled work ethic and unquestionable integrity to carve a compelling portrait of a courageous, confident, focused and determined movement of women in SAPS that can profoundly influence the face and destiny of our nation. We hold the keys to the future success of women in policing.
As we commend those who excelled, let us not forget to celebrate that which makes us unique and special. As women we are more assertive and persuasive. We have a stronger need to get things done and are more willing to take risks than male leaders. Women are also found to be more empathetic and flexible, as well as stronger in interpersonal skills than their male counterparts. This enables us to read situations accurately and take information in from all sides. Women are able to bring others around to their point of view, because they genuinely understand and care about where others are coming from so those they lead people feel more understood, supported and valued.
Just over forty years ago, there was not one single woman in the South African Police. Now, women make up 37% of top management of the South African Police Service.
Ladies and gentlemen, here are the statistics, delivered as facts, without political connotation or personal comment:policing in South Africa was formally established in April 1913:
- the first women were recruited in 1972, fifty nine years later
- this first group of women who were trained were all white
- In July 1981 the first group of colored females was recruited
- In May 1982 Indian women were welcomed into the police, and finally
- In July 1983 African women were permitted to train as police officials in South Africa - Seventy years after policing was established and eleven years after the first intake of women in the police.
Why am I going through these dates and giving you a history lesson?
I am sharing this information in order to emphasise the importance of the SAPS Women's Network and the Women's Prestige Awards. This annual event is not a "nice to have". It is definitely not an excuse to have a party and to pat women on the back merely because they are women.
For almost sixty years women were not perceived to be good enough or strong enough to serve and protect alongside their male counterparts. When they were allowed to enlist, it was in groups along the lines of race, with African women being the last group, 11 years after their white sisters. Anyone who would like to argue that women have not been discriminated against in the police would just have to look at these facts and they will surely be silenced.
Because of these facts; because despite being enlisted and trained- women were still for a long time treated as inferior law enforcement officers, or as typists or tea-makers; because women were excluded from several spheres of policing; because some women were sexually harassed, the SAPS Women's Network was born.
One of the founding goals of the Network was to allow women police officials to interact, support and mentor one another. As it grew, the scope of the Women's Network widened, and our ladies in blue started reaching out to other organisations, locally, regionally and abroad. They also started doing important and groundbreaking work in communities, assisting especially women and children suffering as a result of poverty, crime or illness.
To acknowledge and reward these employees who left their comfort zones in order to make a difference in the lives of others, the SAPS Women's Prestige Awards came to life. This is a very important annual event and we must always remember the history and reason behind its existence.
As mentioned by Lieutenant General Mgwenya in her welcoming remarks, we are indeed honored to have founding members of the Women's Network in our midst tonight, including three retired Generals. To Lieutenant Generals Magda Stander and Manoko Nchwe and Major General Caroline Nomoyi, on behalf of all women in the employ of the SAPS, my sincere thanks to you for your extraordinary contribution to establishing and maintaining the SAPS Women's Network. All three of you have recently ended your illustrious careers in the SAPS and it is fitting that we acknowledge the very important roles that you played in building this mechanism, the SAPS Women's Network, into a world recognised movement. Your determination, courage and tenacity reminds me of a quote from the renowned author Ayn Rand "The question isn't who's going to let me, it's who is going to stop me".
When I mentioned that the SAPS Women's Network has become a world recognised movement, these were not empty words. Through tireless campaigning and networking, our ladies won the bid to host the 2013 training conference of the International Association of Women Police (IAWP). This is a remarkable achievement, one that must not be under-estimated. In less than a year from now, the SAPS will be hosting a legion of women from law enforcement and safety environments throughout the world at a prestigious seminar in Durban. Yet again, South Africa is paving the way on our continent, we will be the first African country to host this event and, yet again, the eyes of the world will be on us. As a collective, the women in this room, supported by our colleagues throughout the nation, and indeed throughout the Southern African region will pull together to make this upcoming event a huge success. Viva SAPS viva!
Already, one of our own, a lady present here tonight, has won an IAWP award which was bestowed on her at the 2012 training conference held in Canada just two months ago. Sergeant Olga Masethla received the community police service award at a ceremony in Newfoundland and I would like us to give her a hearty round of applause for upholding the reputation and image if the SAPS internationally. I am sure that we will be learning more about Olga's achievements as the night progresses as she is Gauteng's candidate for the Prestige Awards for the second consecutive year. Sergeant Masethla, you are a star, congratulations for shining so brightly for the South African Police Service.
I would like to congratulate all our finalists here this evening. Your commitment to improving the lives of those less fortunate is truly admirable. Even more so when it is taken into account that these good deeds are actually "extra curricula" activities, undertaken over and above your official duties and your busy home lives. I am humbled in your presence; you are heroines of your time.
In conclusion, a poem entitled "Angels Among Us", by Geraldine Henein dedicated to our angels in blue:
The hand that gives to those in need
The heart that loves in faith and deed
The voice that speaks the truth decrees
These are angels among us.
The common cause to help all those
Whether they be friends or foes
The compassion for all so lovingly grows
These are angels among us.
The forgetting of self to the service of others
The knowledge we are all sisters and brothers
The extra mile is the distance they cover
These are angels among us.
The Christ-like spirit to demonstrate
The limitless love from God so great
The disciple who walks so humble and straight
These are angels among us.
