Northern Cape heroes honoured at heritage celebration
Various SAPS and Correctional Services components showcased their rich cultural diversity through displays and traditional dishes. Picture: SAPS
THE NORTHERN Cape provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, along with the deputy director of Correctional Services, Phillip Phajane, hosted a joint heritage celebration at Kimberley Correctional Services this week.
The event, themed "Celebrating the Lives of Our Heroes and Heroines Who Laid Down Their Lives for Freedom," brought together senior officials from both the SAPS and Correctional Services.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers reported that the event was attended by high-ranking officers, including Major-General Jacques Raymond, the acting deputy provincial commissioner for Crime Detection and Corporate Services, Brigadier Teresia Bosman from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, and Brigadier Nicholas Mtongana, the station commander of Kimberley SAPS, along with provincial heads, unit commanders and senior officials from Tswelopele and Kimberley correctional centres.
In her keynote address, Lieutenant General Otola highlighted that Heritage Month is a time to embrace diversity, preserve cultural heritage, and promote reconciliation and healing.
Various SAPS and Correctional Services components showcased their rich cultural diversity through displays and traditional dishes.
A judging panel, consisting of Lieutenant-General Otola, Deputy Director Phajane, and Brigadier Bosman, enjoyed cultural performances and meals from different groups, including Sotho, Afrikaner, Tswana, Xhosa and Bosveld.
Certificates and medals were awarded for excellence in cultural displays, traditional attire, and dishes.
SAPS Provincial Emergency Service and the Firearm, Liquor and Second-Hand Goods component won for best dish and décor on the day, while Kimberley Correctional Centre was recognised for best team spirit. The best-dressed male was Warrant Officer Rynand Joubert from the SAPS Sports Office, and the best-dressed female was Dora Khumalo from Kimberley Correctional Services.
Colonel Ehlers said that the event highlighted the unity in diversity within the SAPS and Correctional Services, as they continue to build a nation that honours the past, embraces the present, and shapes the future.
