Major General Thobeka Kunene gives final salute after 37 years’ of service
The South African Police Service in the Eastern Cape converged at their Provincial Headquarters in Zwelitsha on Thursday, 22 June 2023, in what was an emotional occasion, as the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Support Services, Major General Thobeka Kunene took her final salute during a farewell function that was held in her honour, as she will be taking a permanent vacation from her vocational duties. Gen Kunene at her milestone age of 60 years has finally brought down the curtain on her remarkable policing career. On 30 June 2023, this remarkable woman will be retiring, after serving the SAPS for over 37 years.
Major General Kunene, who was described as a loyal and dedicated member, joined the South African Police in 1986. She climbed the ranks of the SAPS through hard work, mostly in the support environment. The retiring heroine is highly appreciated and praised for her humility, and that has earned her the respect from her colleagues and stakeholders. She is leaving with countless number of accolades and medals to show her longevity and exceptional journey in the SAPS.
Major General Kunene during her speech, thanked God for His grace for keeping her going throughout the challenging 37 years of service. “The South African Police Service has been in my veins all these years of my career. God’s grace kept me going and gave me strength to deal with challenges that I encountered through the years.”
A visibly emotional Major General Kunene tried her best to compose herself when she thanked Senior Management, and every member of the SAPS, who worked with her in all the years of her career.” I think everyone that I interacted with had made an indelible mark. To those of you that are still new in the organisation, remember that discipline, resilience and enthusiasm will assist you in fulfilling the mandate, vision, mission and objectives of the South African Police Service”, concluded Maj Gen Kunene
Head of Department of Community Safety, Mr Vuyani Mapolisa, who represented the Eastern Cape Government said, “Major General Kunene is a very pleasant, warm, focused and disciplined civil servant, who had exceptional coordination ability when it comes to project management”
The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Zithulele Dladla described the retirement of Major General Kunene as bitter-sweet, and a major blow to the SAPS Family. “We shall never be able to replace this kind of personality and fountain of knowledge. I can assure all of you that the General is definitely leaving a legacy.”
Source: South African Police Service