KwaNonqaba Police hold annual awards evening

The KwaNonqaba Police held an awards ceremony to celebrate police officers' achievements on Friday night, 28 October, at the Bravo Lounge at the Garden Route Casino in Mossel Bay.

The evening was attended by the Mossel Bay mayor, councillors and several senior police officers in the Garden Route district.

Garden Route district commissioner, Major-General Norman Modishana was one of the key speakers at the event.

"Tonight, we are not only celebrating these recipients but all the members at KwaNonqaba SAPS. Their support and commitment was key for the recognition these nominees are receiving tonight.

"As managers, we need to appreciate and encourage our members. We hope that this awards ceremony will serve as motivation and encouragement to all our members in the district.

"Thank you to all our partners. This municipal area is a true pioneer. Deep gratitude to the families, the partners, wives and husbands of our members. Without you this service would truly be an empty and lonely place."

Mayor Dirk Kotzé quoted from an article by journalist Jody Cook, which she wrote for Forbes. "How many people would give up long before overcoming adversity, working on their weaknesses or being rejected multiple times? Practising persistence in one aspect of life has benefits elsewhere. It turns you into a resilient, gritty person, who will only continue to get stronger. Hammer down those doors until they all start to open."

Kotzé concluded: "Tonight I am speaking to one of the few professions that is legally allowed to hammer down actual doors in certain circumstances. Thank you for your service; thank you for your persistence amid adversity. Mossel Bay salutes you!"

Shadrack Shishana, chairman of the KwaNonqaba Community Policing Forum emphasised the importance of policecommunity relations.

"As the CPF we understand the challenges our members face each and every day. We understand the difficulties and thus we are proud of the success stories that come from our station.

"Through the pandemic our members were there, putting their lives in danger, serving our community. Tonight, we as the CPF honour our members and their families, not only the recipients of accolades but each and every member."

Municipal portfolio chairman for Community Safety, Councillor

Leon van Dyk, said: "The council often speaks of leading the way as a case study of best practice for public-private partnership for community safety, but equally important are partnerships between community safety role players and that is why it is important that as a council and as the Community Safety Portfolio, we thank members of the KwaNonqaba South African Police Services for their dedicated, often thankless service."

‘As managers, we need to appreciate and encourage our members. We hope that this awards ceremony will serve as motivation and encouragement to all our members.’

Photo gallery/Fotogalery www.mosselbayadvertiser.com Rachel Michaels, Lieut-Col Ashley Michaels and Brig Susanna Crafford at the ceremony.

Brig Nolan Michaels, Manie Thomas, Lieut-Col Virgie Julius, Emily Thomas, Maj-Gen Norman Modishana. Mr and Mrs Thomas received the Station Commander’s Award on behalf of the late Sgt Eugene Thomas. RIGHT: KwaNonqaba Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Ebraim Kapp and Shadrack Shishana, chairman of the KwaNonqaba CPF at the awards ceremony.

The Shift of the Year award was won by Visual Policing (Vispol) Shift A. Here are Sandra Frans, Capt Susan Botha, Brig Susanna Crafford, Const Nomfuneko Ntaba, Const Jonathan Boesak, Sgt Janine Adams, Mossel Bay mayor Dirk Kotze, and Const Donovan Duitsjan. (Absent: WO Ulrich Robertson, Sgt Owen Makinana, Const Ayanda Nani.)

Mayor Dirk Kotzé, Brig Nolan Michaels, Maj-Gen Norman Modishana, Shadrack Shishana (chairman, CPF), councillor Leon van Dyk, municipal manager Colin Puren, Lieut-Col Malcolm Pojie and Lieut-Colonel Virgie Julius.

Lieut-Col Ashley Michaels, Brig Nolan Michaels, Sgt Melvin Niemand and Maj-Gen Norman Modishana. Sgt Niemand received the award for Detective of the Year.

Capt Sabat Stemela, Brig Nolan Michaels, chief administration clerk Yvonne Khumalo (award for Support Member of the Year) and Maj-Gen Norman Modishana.

Colonel Azisa Mandongana, Lieut-Col Boniswa Mphato, Hazel Mpumelo and Captain Susan Botha at the awards ceremony.

Motivational speaker, Honeywell Mqozi, addressing the guests during the ceremony.