In an effort to ensure that there is no leadership vacuum
but accelerated service delivery, accountability and professional public
service, Eastern Cape Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt. Gen. Liziwe Ntshinga,
welcomed 25 members to new senior ranks at Eastern Cape Provincial headquarters
yesterday.
Nine colonels, four lieutenant colonels and twelve captains
were recently promoted to new ranks, assuming duty at different police stations,
while others start as different unit commanders with effect from February 1, but
assuming duty from March 1, 2021.
According to provincial police spokesperson, Capt. Khaya
Tonjeni, the twelve captains promoted to ranks of lieutenant colonels, will be
stationed at Bell, Committees Drift, Pearston, Healdtown, Hofmeyer, Jamestown,
Moyeni, Rossouw, Seven Fountains, Sulenkama, Seafield and
Afsondering.
“The four lieutenant colonels will go to Cala, Burgersdorp,
Bityi and Middleburg. The nine colonels will provide leadership and
management in the following stations and units: Dutywa, Kamesh, Port St Johns,
Mdantsane Vispol, KwaZakhele Vispol, Motherwell detectives, Queenstown detectives
and East London VCIU,” Tonjeni explained.
Welcoming the members to the new rank and new
responsibilities of being station commanders, Ntshinga encouraged the new
appointees to be agents of change.
“Your appointment must usher in a new dimension in the
history of the SAPS. My recent tour to the stations in the province has
revealed many challenges confronting our police stations. I want to say that
our hope as management is with you. We rely on you as a new and emerging breed
of leadership during this time. I urge you to act as catalysts in the
improvement and development of our stations,” she said.
She added that the core focus of police is to prevent crime
and ensure that the people of this province live in safe communities. “This is
our fundamental responsibility and it can only be possible if we promote and
encourage visible and accessible policing.
“Also critical in your new rank is an understanding that
whilst leading the fight against criminality in our society, this has to also
find expression in the manner in which you manage your human as well as
physical resources. Experience has taught us that you cannot master one and
fail the other. There must be a deliberate balance in your management
approach,” she elaborated.
Ntshinga also encouraged the members to be custodians of
Batho Pele principles when conducting their day to day business, “Being a
station commander means that you have to be a people’s person and able to serve
your staff and the community. You must have integrity, respect and your conduct
must be beyond reproach.”
She reminded the members that good conduct and
professionalism is the most important and challenging aspect currently facing
the SAPS. “This organisation needs strong managers with a sense of purpose
and consistency. We are in dire need of motivated and dedicated leaders that
are good listeners and communicators, leaders that have passion for the SAPS as
well as show compassion in their command.”
Divisional Commissioner: Human Resource Management, Maj. Gen. Lineo Ntshiea, emphasised that promotion does not come cheap and is accompanied
by great responsibility. “You were not the only applicant as you
were competing with other equally good candidates. Promotion comes with an
incentive to you that takes a bite from our budget. Enjoy the incentive with
your family and remember, we want value for money from your promotion and
appointment.”
She added that the cornerstone of the police organisation is
command and control but more importantly, station commanders need to keep their
customers- the community- happy.
Source: SAPS media statement
