Kaya 959 News Reporter
Bheki Cele paid tribute to female officers on National Police Day.
The tribute is suited to the theme, “celebrating the role of women in policing”.
The minister commended female officers for their contribution to the force and saluted the trailblazers who paved the way since the first female officers were enlisted in 1972.
The trailblazers demonstrated that women are more than capable to lead with integrity and excellence.
“Excellence is what comes to mind when I think about some of the female officers in our boardrooms or those patrolling the streets.”
The minister noted that it wasn’t easy for female officers to make their mark in the once male-dominated force.
That has since changed and the force now values gender equality.
He encouraged female officers to pursue their ambition within the force.
During his speech, Cele also touched on gender-based violence.
He urged the police force to attend to every woman who reports abuse.
“Stop everything and attend to that. Forget that you are an officer and say ‘now, as a mother, I’m dealing with another mother or my daughter. This goes for not just you (female officers) but all those that are in this service. GBV and femicide is one thing that together [we] must put our shoulders to the wheel and make sure that we work harder,” he said.
The minister also focused his attention on the male officers, reminding them that the female officers joined the force to serve the nation.
They are not part of the force for the pleasure of their male colleagues.
Cele said that “this is an organisation of excellence,” and all rotten apples who hide behind the uniform must be flushed out.
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