Remarks by the Deputy Minister of Police, Hon. Ms. Makhotso Maggie Sotyu (MP) at the National Excellence Awards
Programme Director,
Minister of Police, Mr. NPT Nhleko,
MECs, Councillors and MPs present here,
A/National Commissioner of Police and your Team,
Police Officers and Recipients of Awards,
Sponsors and Supporters,
Friends and Families,
Distinguished Guests,
I would like to add my own welcome, congratulatory and celebratory note to all of you, especially to our recipients of awards and prizes.
We would like to give a special honor to all those families who are here today. We know that, most of us here, did not make the journey to where we are, alone. Our families have supported us along the way.
So, some of your parents may have had less education, less success, less money, and indeed just making enough just for the children to have the basics.
But, I am sure, most of you here as recipients, have had encouragement and guidance from your family to make education key.
I am sure they said: please just get your standard 10 (Grade 12), and you will be a teacher! Indeed, in these modern days, it is not easy to get into any professional training without that matric certificate.
So, we say a big thank you to families and friends for joining the South African Police Service in honouring our outstanding employees.
Being educated though, is not the ONLY ingredient to be a successful police officer or official. Being able to relate to people that you serve is especially important.
A police officer must have excellent people skills to be able to go beyond the call of duty.
And, this skill can be achieved if Managers/Commanders can develop effective mentorships programmes for our new Constables who are fresh from Academies.
These mentoring programmes can promote passion for the job, enhance self-esteem and self-respect, and indeed open doors to further self-development as one progresses in his/her career of choice.
As Police Leadership, we are here to inspire you, to witness your growth, to share your successes, and to influence you to continue strive for better and personal growth.
By doing this, we encourage you not to be defeated by fear against the hardened criminals. We want you to accept every single challenge, to make South Africa peaceful and stable.
So, we join here to honor you, as you have seized every opportunity to develop and horn your skills as you make this nation safer.
We are particularly pleased tonight, because your above-average performance as Government employees always brings credit to us as Government. Therefore, we hope that you will continue having higher levels of achievements in your line of duty.
In conclusion, we would also like to thank all the sponsors today. We want to reassure you that we value your support, and hope that you will continue partnering with SAPS in its journey to take this great country forward.
I thank you all.
