Greetings to all members of the South African Police Service at all levels.
National Police Day is a very important and meaningful day for the SAPS. Men and women in blue and distinguished members of different organisations, I am humbled by what we have achieved as the SAPS and I am very mindful of the challenges that we have already faced and those that still await us.
The fundamental role that we play in the lives of the citizens of this country and our significance in supporting our government in its endeavours to take this country forward must never be underestimated.
One can only imagine the lawlessness, instability and chaos that would prevail in our country if our communities were without our services, even for just a few hours. Indeed, our role as the custodians of law and as protectors of our people cannot be overstated.
It is, however, imperative that we at all times conduct ourselves in line with our Code of Conduct; that we, in our every action, show discipline and respect towards the communities that we serve and towards each other. In this time, when we – as an organisation – are being criticised from every corner of the earth for the actions of a few in our midst, we must stand resilient and re-commit ourselves to carrying out our duties professionally. Only by doing this can we prove that we deserve the respect that is owing to us for the huge amount of good work that we perform.
This is an important day for us as we are presented the opportunity and time to reflect on who we are and what exactly we stand for in this democracy. On the 27 January 1995 the South African Police Service Act, 1995 (Act No 68 of 1995) was promulgated. On 27 January 2005 the SAPS celebrated its 10th Anniversary as a service to the South African Democracy. As of that year 27 January is celebrated as National Police Day.
National Police Days are also celebrated in countries across the world, such as Russia, the USA, Singapore, England, Wales and Australia, annually giving recognition to the services rendered by their respective policing agencies.
The cabinet approved the National Police Day on 27 January 2005. Since then SAPS, together with different communities and other stakeholders, has celebrated this day. The National Police Day is celebrated to remember the sacrifices that members have made and continue to make as they provide safety for all people who live in South Africa.
The activities undertaken on National Police Day include those in which our employees celebrate policing in South Africa by displaying the Saps’ commitment to protecting our people and maintaining a motivated workforce. This day is also geared towards applauding the members who give dignity to the blue uniform and honouring the bravery of those members whose commitment was met with loss of life.
The National Police Day's objectives, among others, are:
- to promote police values and integrity
- to compliment the positioning of the SAPS as an employer of choice
- to support sustainable public perception management
- to enhance the morale, loyalty and pride of employees.
This is an important day to us as we are presented the opportunity and time to reflect on who we are and what exactly we stand for in this democracy. This is the time for the safety and security sector to review the sacrifices that our men and women in blue have made and continue to make as they provide safety and security to all the citizens of South Africa. The SAPS continues to applaud those members who give dignity to the blue uniform and, with gratitude, honour the bravery of those members whose commitment was met with the loss of life.
We are aware that the fight against crime has not been easy, has never been easy and promises not to get any easier. We have recently witnessed one of the most vicious and brutal criminal acts against women and children committed in recent times, namely the barbaric rape and murder of 17 year old Anene Booysens. At 17, Anene was indeed still just a child. These types of crimes cannot be tolerated in our society. These incidents make us realise that we have a tough job which, I must use these words again, require discipline and professionalism to carry out effectively.
I am confident, because we are a determined organisation that has seen and witnessed many changes and challenges among ourselves after 1994, facing different adversities, but have survived with remarkable endurance.
Here we stand today, together as the line of blue, not deterred by the challenges at hand, but rather confident and steadfast, enriched with certainty that one day we will rein victorious in our endeavours. Together with our respective communities we will defeat the scourge of crime that continues to be a threat to what we, as the people of South Africa, stand for. The SAPS has reached the maturity that holds the promise for a stable future, the promise of accelerating the accessibility of excellent public service to our communities.
Ladies and gentlemen, family of the SAPS let us enjoy the festivities of this auspicious day, as we engage one another at different levels regarding where we stand and our way forward. With the fitting words of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, “The power of one, if fearless and focused, is formidable, but the power of many working together, is better.” Having said that, let us carry the baton forward, adhering to our strategic plan, code of conduct, principles and the law.
I thank you.
