The South African Police Service (SAPS) held a family day in the form of a Christmas party for the children of SAPS members including reservists who died in the line of duty in the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 financial year.
The fun-filled event which is held annually, was held at the SAPS Academy Tshwane and was attended by children and the next of kin of the deceased members.
The purpose of the day is to honour our fallen heroes and heroines who paid the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the safety and security of the people in South Africa.
On Thursday, our men and women in blue took time out of their busy schedules to entertain the children with fun and games. Each child was also treated to a face paint.
Nelmarie De Lange is the wife of the late Constable Pieter De Lange from Limpopo who died from gunshot wounds while attending to a complaint. She was among the widows who came to celebrate the day with SAPS members. Her three children were also present, she has expressed her gratitude to SAPS management.
“I think it’s good for the children to get their mind off not spending Christmas without their father. We really appreciate the gesture from the police men and women and I am also thankful to the SAPS for taking care of the educational needs of my children”
Mamosia Mokhopo who was accompanied by her daughter, is the wife of the late Constable Nkala from Gauteng who died from gunshot wounds while attending to a complaint. She too expressed her appreciation to the men and women in blue.
“We are happy that we could relive the memory of our father and husband. Today we reflected on the good memories that we shared with him. I am sure he is smiling down on us and grateful to the SAPS for all you do for us. We are really grateful to the management of the SAPS for this”.
Through its Education Trust Fund, the South African Police Service is able to provide for the educational needs of the deceased members children. Since its inception, SAPSET has spent R9.4 million towards ensuring that the children of deceased members continue with their schooling just as their parents would have wished. At the end of the 2018 financial year, 42 beneficiaries completed their tertiary qualifications through the help of SAPSET.
Brigadier Ntobeko Sithole spoke on behalf of the Trust. “We will continue to take care of not only the educational needs of our member’s children but also the emotional wellbeing. SAPS relies on donations and sponsorships to ensure that these children complete their schooling careers without any financial challenges. We pay for the schooling of children from Grade RR to tertiary level and we are proud of those who have already completed their education, these 42 beneficiaries are a beacon of hope. The SAPSEt Fund also caters for the children’s stationery and school uniforms”.
The Deputy National Commissioner for Human Resource Management in the SAPS, Lieutenant General Bonang Mgwenya says the wellbeing of families and children of the fallen heroes and heroines is the apex priority of the Service.
“With this event we want to ensure that these children do not face a bleak future and an uncertain 2020 schooling year. It is our gesture as the South African Police Service to minimise the void they already feel following the untimely departure of their parents. We know all the Christmas gifts and school uniforms can never be enough, but because we worked side by side with your parents in the fight against crime, we hope that this will assist to brighten your festive season and help to ease your painful loss and sorrow. We will continue to support and care for you to the best of our ability”
As an early Christmas gift, each child received a gift bag which included a voucher from a local clothing store to the value of R1500.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) would like to thank it’s Women’s Network and Men for Change structure for organising this event and always ensuring that the Service continuously strives to make an impact to change the lives of ordinary people through selfless gestures.
Enquiries
Colonel Athlenda Mathe
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