National Commissioner:
South African Police Service

JS Selebi

Jacob Sello Selebi (Jackie) - a man who has had a distinguished career as a diplomat and who is highly regarded in South Africa and abroad, was appointed the new National Commissioner of the South African Police service on 1 January 2000.

Selebi previously served as the Foreign Affairs Director-General after representing South Africa at the United Nations for three years.

Jackie Selebi was appointed by President Thabo Mbeki, as successor to National Commissioner George Fivaz whose term of office expired at the end of January 2000. Selebi took over command of the SAPS from Fivaz at a handing over parade during January 2000 (click here to see his inauguration speech).

Under Selebi's guidance, a strategic plan was devised according to which an integrated and focused approach was adopted with crime combating as the main focus. The strategic plan further aligned the management and support functions in support of the operational strategy and core functions of the SAPS. This plan is currently being implemented with great success and a visible impact on certain serious, violent and organized crimes in South Africa.

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