The Eastern Cape Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso, embarked on a provincial tour to welcome newly appointed constables across districts, reinforcing SAPS leadership’s commitment to discipline, integrity, and service to communities.
The tour commenced on Tuesday, 9 September 2025, at the SAPS Provincial Head Office, Griffiths Mxenge Hall in Zwelitsha with constables from Amathole and Buffalo City districts; then proceeded to Mthatha, where constables from OR Tambo and Alfred Nzo Districts were welcomed at Mthatha Stadium.
On 11 September 2025, the constables from Chris Hani and Joe Gqabi Districts were welcomed at Wilkenson Hall, Komani and the tour ended with NMB and Sarah Baartman districts constables addressed at the SAPS Academy, Sunnyside, on Friday, 12 September 2025.
The different District Commissioners who were hosting gave a warm welcoming address, appreciating the efforts of the Provincial Management while encouraging the constables to listen carefully to all the guidance they are going to receive as it comes from a deep well of knowledge and experience.
The Acting Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General N.N. Xakavu advised the constables to sponge the experience of their commanders as much as they will reap the results in due season, further citing that the SAPS does not fire anyone but rather members see themselves not fitting the profile and decide to discharge themselves from the service;
the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Support Services, Major General N.H.T. Tito, focussed her message of support, encouraging the young officers to remain ethical and committed, quoting the South African Police Service as the cornerstone, compliance of which will lead them to a long and successful career journey from recruitment till retirement.
The Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant General Z.M. Dladla opened their minds in having the right attitude, avoiding corruption and any form of wrong doing, unpacking different careers in the SAPS, which include the detectives, of course.
In an atmosphere filled with spirited amagwijo, you would think they were in a competition as each event had a different, but vibrant tone of music, with the constables showing their gratitude for joining the Service, recalling the discipline and unity fostered in the academies, and pledged their loyalty and commitment to justice and community safety.
In her keynote address, the Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Kupiso, highlighted her pride in seeing young graduates and professionals join the Service, describing them as a generation that will bring fresh energy and restore hope to policing.
She stressed the importance of serving with dignity, professionalism and ethics reminding them that crime is a serious concern in our communities, which they are joining to mitigate.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner reminded them that communities respect officers who are professional, disciplined, and ethical and that if they see otherwise in them, they will lose confidence not just in them as individuals, but in the SAPS as a whole.
Kupiso said “Resist temptation at all costs. Do not allow anyone to entice you into wrongdoing.
“Corruption will not only destroy your career, but it will stain the very image of the SAPS. Be smart in your appearance as men and women in blue, but more importantly, in your conduct”.
She also emphasised the Batho Pele principle putting people first urging members never to turn communities away, even with limited resources
She said “The Service is for the people, by the people, and to the people.”
“You are stepping into a calling that requires resilience and heart. You will witness the best and worst of humanity.
“But never forget, you are the thin blue line between order and chaos, safety and danger, hope and fear.”
The vote of thanks was delivered by the Co-host District Commissioners, who were lost with words of thanking the delegation led by the Acting Provincial Commissioner, all attendees, new constables and the Program Directors who did a splendid job in directing the programmes.
They thanked the Acting Provincial Commissioner for her leadership and the enthusiasm she demonstrated in personally welcoming the new constables.
The tour reflects SAPS Eastern Cape’s commitment to strengthening its fight against crime by welcoming a new generation of constables who will serve communities with integrity, discipline, and dedication.
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
