Speaking notes by the Minister of Police General Bheki Cele at the SAPS National Commemoration Day in Pretoria
President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Mr Cyril Ramaphosa
Co-chairperson of the JCPS Cluster; Mme Thandi Modise and all Cluster Ministers in attendance.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; Minister Pandor.
Deputy Minister of Police, Mr Cassel Mathale
Members of Executive Councils of Community Safety from the respective provinces
The National Head of the DPCI, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya
All Heads of Entities
Deputy National Commissioners
Provincial and Divisional Commissioners
All Generals, senior management, members of the SAPS and trainees
Representatives of Labour Unions POPCRU and SAPU
Chairpersons of the National and Provincial Community Policing Boards
Trustees of the South African Police Service Education Trust
All Stakeholders and Guests
Members of the Clergy
Families of our fallen police officers
All protocol observed
Good morning to you all.
Sanibonani.
Thank you Programme Director,
It is with humility and utmost respect that I welcome you all, to this sombre but yet very important day in the SAPS calendar.
On behalf of the Police Ministry and the South African Police Service (SAPS)
I wish to extend a warm welcome to all in attendance at this year's SAPS National Commemoration Day.
While the sun shines on us this morning as we gather at the Capital city, sadly the sun set prematurely on 34 of our own.
From April last year to March 2023, 34 SAPS officers inluding four female officers were brutally killed while on duty in South Africa.
We remember them today.
Programme Director,
Today, we are gathered in our collective grief, to honour these officers who paid the ultimate price.
It is humbling indeed, to see the show of support to the SAPS family by the presence of all invited guests who are walking this difficult journey with us.
Your presence this morning is appreciated and highly valued.
It also lends much needed support to the bereaved families and the extended SAPS family on this solemn day.
Families of our fallen but never to be forgotten officers, your presence is felt and recognised.
The sun may set, but memories will last forever.
We hope that today's ceremony doesn’t open your wounds but rather, that it brings to you comfort and closure.
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Invited Guests;
Families and Friends of our fallen heroes;
We are graced this morning, by the presence of the President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa, who will officiate this event as our Functionary today.
Let me take this opportunity to extend our collective and warm welcome to you Mr. President and our gratitude for your continued support through your presence, which lends dignity to this ocassion.
Distinguished Guests
In our midst today are my counterparts in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster:
A hearty welcome to Minister of Defence and Chair of the Cluster; Mme Thandi Modise
Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Minister Lamola,
Minister of Home Affairs; Dr Aaron Motsoaledi
Minister in the Presidency; Minister Ntshavheni
And a warm welcome to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; Minister Pandor.
We are also comforted by the presence of the Acting Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Nocks Seabi.
A special welcome to MEC’s of Community Safety from the various provinces;
The leadership of the CPF National and Provincial Boards; as well as our stakeholders, we value your presence today.
We also have in our midst and welcome the Board of Trustees of the South African Police Service Education Trust, led by the board Chairperson, Mr Vuyani Jwarana.
On this note, on behalf of the Ministry of Police and SAPS Executive Management, let me take this opportunity to pay our respects to the late Reverend Themba Mntambo, one of the new SAPSET Trustees who sadly passed away this past Thursday.
To all the guests, we hope today's proceedings bring closure and comfort and that the event is to your satisfaction.
Once again, a warm welcome to you all.
I Thank you.
