Limpopo Police, through social structures, Women’s Network and Men for Change, partake in ‘Take a Child to Work’ campaign

The Management of the South African Police Service led by the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, joined by the Social Structures Women’s Network and Men for Change, participated in the “Take a Child to Work” Campaign on Friday, 12 May 2023.

The proceedings began with the briefing session in the Provincial Commissioner’s Boardroom and was followed by the formal program in the main Boardroom where learners from Taxilla Secondary School, Westernburg High School as well as General Joubert School for the learners with special needs were engaged by the Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe and the Junior Provincial Commissioner Ms Evelyn Mafane a Grade 12 learner from Sekhukhune District.

The Management of the South African Police Service comprised of the Deputy Provincial Commissioners for Policing Major General Jan Scheepers and Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection Major General Samuel Manala, joined by the Provincial Heads for Proactive Policing Brigadier Isaac Mhlongo, Brigadier Staden for Provincial Operational Command Centre, Brigadier Moloi for Inspectorate, Brigadier Mary Mashila Provincial Women’s Network Champion and the Acting Provincial Head for Corporate Communication Colonel Moyahabo Mapaya as well as Deputy Provincial Chairperson of Men for Change Sergeant Moses Molepo formed part of proceedings.

The event was officially opened with Scripture Reading and prayer by Chaplain of the SAPS, Warrant Officer Mokoena.

Major General Scheepers welcomed the esteemed guests and also introduced the Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe to the learners. Major General Scheepers in his welcoming address urged the learners not listen to the negative comments and wrong information that can jeopardise their future. Major General Scheepers encouraged the learners to take part in the fight against crime through community crime based structures.

Brigadier Mary Mashila outlined the purpose of the event by pointing out to the learners that this program is meant to identify learners with potential and to expose them to professional work environment. She also mentioned that this is a national campaign that was introduced in the year of 2003. Brigadier Mashila mentioned that this kind of exercise gives the learners the opportunity to be able to choose for themselves the better career path.

The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe rendered a keynote address. Lieutenant General Hadebe in her speech encouraged the learners to take education very seriously by quoting the former late President Nelson Mandela “Knowledge is power, information is liberation and education is the premise of progress in every society and in every family”. The Provincial Commissioner wished the learners good luck in their tour of studies and mentioning that there are numerous types of careers in the SAPS for one to choose from in persuasion of life. Lieutenant General Hadebe offered the Junior Provincial Commissioner Ms Evelyn Mafane an opportunity to say few words to her fellow learners.

The Junior Provincial Commissioner Ms Evelyn Mafane without a prepared speech has encouraged her fellow learners to report any form of crime to the police and to be careful not to fall into troubles.

In conclusion of the formal program which was directed by the Acting Provincial Head for Corporate Communication Colonel Moyahabo Mapaya invited the Deputy Provincial Commissioner Crime Detection Major General Samuel Manala to render Vote of Thanks.

The General took the opportunity to thank the Deputy Provincial Chairperson of the Community Police Forum Mr Patrick Lebogo and Provincial Chairperson of the Youth Crime Prevention Desk Mr Reginald Malatji for gracing this event as well as every single Learners and their Educators including the Media representatives for honoring the invitation to attend to this special event. Major General Manala reiterated the call to the learners to encourage their parents to join the community crime based structures in the fight against crime.

Both Provincial Women’s Network Champion Brigadier Mashila and Deputy Provincial Chairperson of the Men for Change Sergeant Molepo led the proceedings to the Polokwane Cricket Club for the career exposition at the show ground.

The following SAPS career paths were made available for exhibition:

Career Management

Library Services

Supply Chain Management

Firearm, liquor and second hand goods

Mounted Unit

K9 Unit

CR and CSM

Water wing

Radio Technology

Explosive Unit

Forensic services

Public Order Policing

Tactical Response team

Directorate for priority crime investigations

Uniform Shop

Corporate Communications

The learners were offered the opportunity to ask questions about the careers that were exposed to them. Exhibitors demonstrated and explained in detail to the learners their daily duties.

Source: South African Police Service