Metro and traffic officers graduate
They have pledged to serve and I urge them to lead by example: JP Smith
IT WAS a proud moment and excitement was in the air for the city’s metro police and traffic service recruits who earned their badges at a graduation ceremony held at Wittebome Civic Centre in Wynberg. Yesterday the City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate hosted the ceremony for the class of 2017 where 40 metro police officers, 30 traffic officers and one law enforcement academy facilitator received their ranks and certificates.
Traffic officer Sinabo Mofu, who is a former reserve force member, said she was happy to know she had made her family proud.
“I am proud of myself because I know I made my family proud.
“I have been waiting for this day for so long and my mother, my rock, was there to show support and it means the world to me.
“I will wear this uniform with pride, I want to be among those traffic officers who make a difference in the city. I will carry the advisory we were given about discipline and leading by example.”
Metro police graduate Pfunzo Singo said it was an overwhelmingly special day for her.
“I was a waitress before and needed a better job. Metro police offers more opportunities, and will get a better rank as years go by. My goal and dream is to be a chief superintendent. It has been a long journey and I can’t believe we are finally here.
“I want to help Cape Town be a better living place for everyone, especially children. I am looking forward to my first day at work.”
Mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith said the day was “very special” for both the city and the recruits.
“I want them to savour the moment, having made it to the top of the pile of thousands of applicants.
“However, the uniform comes with great responsibility. They have pledged to serve and protect their communities, and I urge them to lead by example in everything they do,” Smith said.
The graduation ceremony also saw ranks and certificates awarded to the city’s metro police youth cadets.
The cadet programme, launched in 2014, currently has 125 registered cadets selected from 37 schools that participated in metro police youth camps.
I WILL WEAR THIS UNIFORM WITH PRIDE, I WANT TO BE AMONG THOSE TRAFFIC OFFICERS WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE CITY