The District Commissioner of Namakwa in the Northern Cape, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, officially welcomed 45 of the 58 new constables who completed their training at different SAPS Training Academies in the country and placed at various stations within the district.
The parade was held at the offices of Human Resource Development ( HRD) in Springbok where the programme was facilitated by Captain Ivan Magerman, the Namakwa Communications Officer.
The opening devotion was led by Chaplin Marsha Baard attached to the Employee Health and Wellness section.
In attendance were Station and Unit Commanders, SAPS members, representatives from the Labour unions POPCRU and SAPU and the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison.
The new constables stood proudly on parade, ready to embark on their policing journey.
The members will be placed at various stations within the district to obtain workplace exposure in the field of policing.
Captain Andre Baard, Head of Training, addressed the constables, relayed valid and important information pertaining to the phases of their training.
Messages of support were delivered by Ms Shabedi from SAPU and Mr Lewis from POPCRU, and Mr Sekia from the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison.
In his address, Brigadier Andrews cited a powerful and inspiring message, reminding the members that they are no longer simply graduates, but guardians of the Namakwa District, entrusted with the safety and security and well-being of communities.
He emphasised that their placement at stations and units is by design, rooted in the principles of policing and Section 205 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
Brigadier Andrews stated that the, “the Constitution is not just a legal document – it is the heartbeat of our democracy, the promise of justice and the shield of every citizen.”
And urged them to recognise their duty as both constitutional and spiritual, a calling from God to serve with integrity, courage, professionalism and compassion.
He also reminded them that wearing the SAPS uniform is not merely about the clothes and badge, but carrying the mantle of service, the responsibility of protection, and the authority of justice.
He charged them to serve with discipline as their compass, dignity as their shield, and faith as their strength.
In closing, he appealed to them to uphold the law without fear or favour, to walk the streets of Namakwa as symbols of hope and trust, and to remember that their daily “Bible” is the SAPS Code of Conduct.
He blessed their journey with wisdom, courage, and faith, welcoming them to “the winning team.”
This powerful message set the tone, reminding them that their role is not just a career but a sacred calling to ensure that Namakwa remains a district where justice prevails and communities thrive.
