hidden potential through the might of a pen"
2 March 2006
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in association with the University
of South Africa (UNISA) today launched a creative writing competition for the
benefit of all employees of the South African Police Service. This initiative
has been endorsed and is fully supported by the Ministry for Safety and
Security.
Not to be confused with existing literacy undertakings within the service,
the Motswedi Literary Competition's main objective is to create a platform and
or stage where the untapped and hidden creative talents of our members are
exposed and enhanced. It is a celebration of creativity and innovation.
Positive spin-offs will be intellectual growth, knowledge gain, efficient
language use and proficiency. Sustainable and desired levels of literacy would
be achieved.
In as much as our members are expected due to the nature of their work
environment to be physically fit, mental health should not be considered a
foreign concept. It should be encouraged in all levels of any organisation. The
SAPS is no exception. Research has shown that people, who were involved in
creative writing, had emotional balance. They were found to have had well
defined reasoning capabilities. Gradually they developed negotiation, conflict
resolution, strategic thinking, decision-making and other life skills.
This competition will lead our members to true fulfilment, relevance,
significance and a sense of greater contribution in today's demanding landscape
not only in work related matters but also on a personal level. It will promote
the effective use of our internal libraries, inculcate a culture of reading and
writing, maximise and enhance intellectual capital within the SAPS, as well as
the retention of well-informed, interested and motivated workforce.
We welcome and appreciate the involvement of Unisa in this initiative. They
deserve praise for heeding our call to big business and institutions of higher
learning, to be in partnerships with us, in our quest to create a safe and
secure environment for all.
Contact:
Captain Percy Morokane
National Spokesperson
Tel: (012) 393 5522
Cell: 082 813 8773
Issued by: South African Police Service
2 March 2006
