Acting Police Minister calls for professionalism ahead of SONA

Members of law enforcement agencies have been urged to ensure that when they maintain law and order, that the State of the Nation Address (SONA) is held in a peaceful and conducive environment.

Addressing the integrated law enforcement parade at Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said SONA demands the highest level of preparedness and professionalism.

“It is an event of major national importance, involving all our government leaders, dignitaries, the media, and thousands of South Africans who look to us for assurance that their safety is guaranteed,” Cachalia said.

He also said the deployment of personnel from the law enforcement agencies was not just a routine assignment.

“It is an important opportunity for you to demonstrate the valuable service you provide on behalf of the people of this country.”

The parade was attended by members from the SANDF, SAPS visible policing, the Anti-Gang Unit, Tactical Response Team, the Public Order of Policing Unit, the City of Cape Town, police, traffic officers, and law enforcement.

Cachalia urged them to secure all those participating in SONA and ensure it proceeded safely, smoothly, and with the dignity it deserves.

He said their presence underscored the crucial role that law enforcement played in protecting the country’s democracy and to secure a better and prosperous future.

“I want to emphasise to each one of you, your work matters. Your effort matters. Your visibility matters. Your conduct matters. Your professionalism. Your ethics matter,” he said.

“Our citizens must see in you role-models of professionalism, discipline, respect, dignity, and confidence. Their trust in law enforcement is built not only by the work that you do but the way that you do your work,” Cachalia said.

He urged the members to remain vigilant and alert, as well as being alert to potential disruptions, while at the same time being professional and upholding the highest standards expected of every member.

“I call on you to be respectful, treating every member of the public with dignity and fairness. And above all, I call upon you to act within the law under the Constitution, remembering that your duty is to serve the people of South Africa.

“Your conduct reflects not only on the South African Police Service and the border law enforcement community, it reflects on the entire government and our nation,” added Cachalia.

Also speaking at the parade, National Commissioner Fannie Masemola said they should ensure the environment was conducive and peaceful for everyone.

Masemola said they must ensure that laws and the Constitution were respected.

“There will be those who cross the line, deal with them decisively in terms of the law without fear of anything. We are going to make sure that life is on normal.”

He also said the officers should ensure that they protect the rights of the people, and at the same time protect their own lives as well.

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga said the parade was meant to acknowledge and thank the people in uniform for all the great work they continued to do and acknowledge the role play in the country.

“We want to sincerely thank you for always being there and giving your best in defence of this country and the defence of people,” Motshekga said.

She added that SONA was the most important event of the calendar.

“It reminds us as South Africans that we belong together and we are bound under a single flag,” she said, adding the SANDF will work side by side with the police in all activities especially in areas of defence.

“We must continue to work together to defend and advance the interest of this beautiful country we have been blessed with,” said Motshekga.

mayibongwe.maqhina@inl.co.za