19 April 2006
When 33-year old Thandeka Majola joined the South African Police Service
(SAPS) 11 years ago she never imagined jumping off an aeroplane at over 9000
feet.
Today a Captain, she is part of the elite Counter Assault Team (CAT), a
subsidiary of the Protection and Security Services Environment. She is the
first and only woman in both the SAPS and the South African National Defence
Force (SANDF) that has successfully completed the Basic Free-Fall course with
the world renowned 44 Brigade of the South African National Defence Force.
The free-falling course entails jumping off an aeroplane at 9500 feet and
falling at 220 km per hour for several seconds before opening a parachute.
The CAT course consists of 33 weeks of intensive training, which includes
very important person (VIP) protection, urban and rural training, weapons and
parachuting.
The somewhat modest, unassuming and petite lady is coping well in what is
undoubtedly a male-dominated environment. Her commander and mentor, Director
"Bakkies" Breytenbach, boasts that she takes on practically any challenge the
job has to offer. "Thandeka has been on numerous operations in the two years
she has been with us and has done exceptionally well", said the Director.
When asked how she feels about working only with men in such a challenging
environment, "I am used to it after having grown up with three brothers and no
sisters. Besides, my colleagues are very supportive and encouraging. They treat
me as one of the guys. I am proud to be associated with this group and I look
forward to my duties whether in the day or night", she replied.
Enquiries
Vishnu Naidoo
Senior Superintendent
Communication and Liaison Services
Office of the National Commissioner
Pretoria
Website: http://www.saps.gov.za
Issued by: South African Police Service
19 April 2006
Source: South African Police Service (SAPS)
