Top brass and dignitaries gather to celebrate outstanding policing
Mpumalanga's finest law enforcement members were recognised for their exceptional dedication and service to communities at the 2023/2024 Service Excellence Awards, held on Friday evening, 13 December 2024, at the Tshwane University of Technology in Nelspruit.
The prestigious ceremony, led by Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, served as a platform to honour the hard work, commitment and unwavering dedication of the men and women who serve and protect the public across the province.
The event drew a distinguished gathering of senior officials and community leaders. Among those in attendance were MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Jackie Macie, Inkosi TB Mthethwa of the Madabukela Traditional Council, the Mayor of Ehlanzeni, Acting Executive Mayor of Mbombela Local Municipality Councillor Mbowane, and Deputy National Commissioner for Detectives Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya.
The ceremony was further graced by the Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Component Head for Corporate Communication and Liaison Services, Major General Nonkululeko Phokane, and Deputy Provincial Commissioners Major General Buti Lekubu, Major General Botsotso Moukangwe, and Major General Samuel Sekgobela. Several other senior generals, including Major General Dladla, Major General Modishane, Major General Thine, Major General Damoyi, and Major General Ngubelanga, were also present at the momentous occasion.
Bravery and resilience acknowledged
Provincial heads and senior managers from across the province attended alongside Community Policing Forum members, representatives from the Spiritual Crime Prevention initiative, the Youth Crime Prevention Desk, labour unions, Men for Change, and the Women's Network.
"The excellent work performed by both members of the service as well as CPF members in Mpumalanga was acknowledged and appreciated in various categories."
Outstanding contributions by police officers and community policing forum members were celebrated across multiple award categories, with each recipient recognised for their role in keeping Mpumalanga's communities safe.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Mkhwanazi personally presented awards to specific members who demonstrated remarkable bravery, persistence, commitment and resilience in the line of duty. Among those singled out were officers who played a critical role in responding to the incident involving alleged illegal miners in Sabie, underscoring the dangers faced by law enforcement personnel in the province.
Recognising dedicated officers strengthens public trust in law enforcement at a time when Mpumalanga faces persistent challenges including illegal mining and rural crime. The awards highlight the risks officers confront daily, particularly in operations like the Sabie illegal mining incident, while encouraging community policing partnerships. For local businesses and residents, sustained police morale and community collaboration could improve safety outcomes, potentially attracting investment and supporting economic stability across the province in the years ahead.
