By: Matshediso Selebeleng

The South African Police Service (SAPS) hosted its 11th National Excellence Awards under the theme “Serving with Integrity, Celebrating Excellence” at Lemo Green Park in Bloemfontein, Free State. The ceremony was attended by Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia, Deputy Ministers Dr Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale, SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, and Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, alongside representatives from other provinces. The awards aim to honour the men and women in blue who dedicate their lives to keeping communities safe and holding offenders accountable. The event also recognises outstanding performance, commitment to community relations, innovation, professionalism and acts of bravery within the SAPS. More than 40 award categories were presented, including the prestigious National Commissioner’s Awards and Ministry Awards. Addressing attendees, Masemola said the awards serve as a reminder that excellence is not a once-off achievement, but a daily discipline. He also commended SAPS provincial leadership for their continued dedication. “This evening we are witnessing excellence that few talk about, but millions depend on — excellence that unfolds in the dead of night, in courtrooms, in forensic laboratories and on the streets of our communities. We thank you for standing firmly with our members and championing ethical, professional policing,” Masemola said. He added that the ceremony celebrates a habit of excellence embedded in the DNA of the men and women in blue. Among the award recipients was Tshepo Lediga, a SAPS financial clerk and accomplished sportsman, who was named Sports Person with Disability of the Year (Chess). Lediga serves as Chairperson of Free State SAPS Chess, President of the Xhariep District Chess Association, and President and Coach of Trompsburg Chess Club. He is no stranger to accolades, having received awards at both provincial and national level since 2023. He said this achievement means a lot to him and encourages him to keep working hard to leave a mark, and that he ensures to keep the children safe beyond his call of duty. “It means a lot because automatically it encourages the young and old to put more effort into the game and motivates them to never give up, though it is not easy. Some of the prizes (cash prize) I do share it with my Club by buying them chess equipment, such as chess sets, since the club is growing and now has over 50 children aged between 5 and 17.” He said. Lediga added that the recognition to him also means that they are being acknowledged for their excellent and outstanding dedication as members of SAPS in their different SAPS components and subcomponents. He encouraged his fellow men in blue to go above and beyond at their different subcomponents and the community that they reside in, because they will never know who is watching or who they motivate. The Acting Police Minister also chimed in to thank the men and women in blue for their dedication into their job. Chachalia said that even though there is a story being told about SAPS in the full view the public, the story is not false, but is also not complete. “The officers whom we honor and celebrate today, live exemplify that truth, we have seen inspiring examples of that conduct across the country and that’s what we honor today. I have seen officers come in volatile situations, I have seen the officers go extra mile to ensure a victim of GBV receives care and protection,” he said. He added that over the last 30 years they have built a police service through the efforts of the members of SAPS, and that it is also a story that must be told.