Speaker notes by National Police Commissioner at Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner's farewell gala dinner Northern Cape, Kimberley
Deputy National Commissioners
Divisional Commissioners
Provincial Commissioners
Station Commanders and Cluster Commanders present
Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) of all ranks
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen, good evening.
I have mixed feelings standing before you tonight. It is my distinct honour to be part of this event, yet I am sad to be saying goodbye to a long-serving police official of this calibre. I beg your indulgence to allow me to add my voice to the many great things that are being said about Lieutenant General Basson at this farewell function.
Her extensive experience in the business of policing will surely be missed. Lieutenant General Basson, I have no doubt that you, as a forward-thinking leader, have imparted a great deal of your knowledge to those you leave behind.
Your extensive experience in and knowledge of the operational field have stood you in good stead, allowing you to serve and lead with confidence. Having served at Visible Policing on several task teams pertaining to juveniles in detention, attacks on police officials as well as visits to detainees in police cells, in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross, are some of your contributions that stand out in our memories.
Ladies and gentlemen, Lieutenant General Bassons’ operational experience includes exemplary investigation skills. The commendable conduct and work-ethics she displayed resulted in her being appointed as a prosecutor in Potchefstroom, Wolmaransstad and Christiana in the North West.
General Basson, you were among the galaxy of stars that shone like a beacon for everyone to see. You led from the front and through your leadership and integrity, you have made a lasting impact, not only on our organisation, but also on our country.
Against the backdrop of women’s month, I can say that you are one of those women who has paved the way for women in a ‘man’s world’. You have demonstrated that women have the abilities to do anything they put their minds to. You have proved that we have discipline and the organisational prowess to steer this gigantic organisation forward.
I think it is fitting in this women’s month that we do not only bid you farewell, but also celebrate you as one of those women who joined the organisation more than three decades ago, and embodied selflessness. I am proud, for you have stood the test of time.
We honour you for dedicating your life to the South African Police Service. The organisation will forever be grateful, because you have served it and the people of this country with distinction.
No number of words or eloquence in one short speech can effectively capture more than 30 years of General Bassons’ life in the SAPS. Farewell woman of stature, we will always remember your discipline and the rectitude that has defined your strides in the SAPS.
Your commitment to the constitutional mandate of the SAPS inspires us to follow in your footsteps. We have a responsibility to mentor young women working their way up through the ranks. We must inspire them by being fitting role models so that they can develop and be able to become the leaders of this organisation tomorrow. We must arm them with education, skills and experience, as the SAPS and the environment we work in, are forever transforming.
Lt Gen Basson, your overall outstanding performance and strong leadership abilities, combined with 33 years of experience, have served you well as the Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape. On behalf of everyone present here today, we thank you for your selfless leadership.
“Do not be dismayed by goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before we can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends” as Richard Bach so aptly put it.
Farewell General Basson, and may you and your family succeed in all you endeavour to undertake in future.
Thank you.
