Namakwa Commissioner welcomes new SAPS recruits

The Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, officially welcomed 45 of the 58 new constables who completed their training at different SAPS Training Academies in the country and were placed at various stations within the district.

The parade was held at the Human Resource Development (HRD) offices in Springbok on 1 December.

The programme, facilitated by Captain Ivan Magerman, saw the attendance of the 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 and 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 SAPU, POPCRU, and 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 graduates, but guardians of the Namakwa District, entrusted with the safety and security and wellbeing 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.

“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,” said Andrews.

He further urged them to recognise their duty as both constitutional and spiritual, a calling from God to serve with integrity, courage, professionalism and compassion.

Andrew 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.

The Brigadier appealed to the team 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 concluded by welcoming them to the winning team, “Yours is not just a career but a sacred calling to ensure that Namakwa remains a district where justice prevails, and communities thrive.”

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