Speaker's notes by General MV Phiyega at the medal parade and handing over of the sword to PC, Northern Cape
The Minister of Police, Mr Nhleko
The Premier of the Northern Cape, Ms Lucas
The MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison in the Northern Cape, Ms Bartlett
All Deputy National Commissioners
The Out-going Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Basson
All Provincial and Divisional Commissioners
The Programme Director and Parade Commander
Members of the South African Police Service present
Medal recipients
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
Good morning and a warm welcome to you all. Minister Nhleko, Premier and MEC, thank you for honouring us with your presence, we appreciate the fact that you have taken time out of your busy schedules to join us.
This is an important day in the SAPS as we gather at this medal parade and handing-over-of-the-sword-of-command ceremony. This ceremony holds a special significance to me.
Today we are to honour men and women who have served this organisation with distinction. These are men and women who put their lives at risk for 10, 20 and 30 years to protect the people of this country. Today we are proudly affirming your hard work and dedication. We celebrate your service and sacrifice, thank you for your devotion. This is a mere token of appreciation for all the work you have put in to serving and protecting. Well done, dignified loyal members of the SAPS. I am confident that other, more junior members will be encouraged to walk in your footsteps and to work harder so that tomorrow they too can be acknowledged as those who came and epitomised diligence, discipline and integrity within the SAPS.
Over the years, members have come and gone in our organisation. Those who have served with integrity, humility and commitment, will be documented in history as such. Those who came in and abused their power and the privileges of wearing the dignified blue uniform, will be recorded as having being dismissed with dishonour.
Outgoing Lieutenant General Basson, history will record your selflessness in serving others and you leave with honour and an unblemished record.
The sword, which is a symbol of rightness and justice, symbolises the SAPS’s striving to render a fair and unpartisan service to the community.
Lieutenant General Basson, as we receive this sword from you, to be handed over to the next incumbent of this post, remember to stay humble, as your humility has distinguished you as a leader.
Your expertise and experience in most fields of policing and law enforcement will be sorely missed, both in this province and across the country. We will remember your quiet determination, your steadfast discipline and your steely determination. Indeed, the iron fist in the velvet glove. As one of the pioneering women provincial commissioners in the SAPS, your name will go down in history and you can hold your head up high.
Thank you.
