| Limpopo SAPS Provincial Commissioner hands over gifts, during build-up activities for the 5th annual kiddies’ Christmas event in Mahwelereng | |
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| Date Published | |
| 2025/12/25 | |
| Details | |
Media Statement
MAHWELERENG - On Christmas Eve, Wednesday, 24 December 2025, the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, joined the build-up activities of the 5th Annual Kiddies’ Christmas Event, scheduled to take place on 25 December 2025 at the Number Number Dropping Centre in Mahwelereng. The build-up event was held at the Number Number Community Centre in Zone 2, Mahwelereng, where the Provincial Commissioner officially handed over Christmas gifts to disadvantaged and vulnerable children as part of SAPS’ ongoing social responsibility and crime prevention initiatives. The children received food parcels, clothing, cosmetics and other essential items aimed at restoring dignity and ensuring that they also experience the joy and warmth of the festive season. Lieutenant General Hadebe was accompanied by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Support Services, Major General Fredrinah Sebola; the District Commissioner of Waterberg, Major General Shamrhomba Masingi; Provincial Heads; the Acting Station Commander of Mahwelereng; members of Men for Change; the SAPS Women’s Network; Provincial Corporate Communication (including the SAPS Band); SAPS members from various units and stations, as well as community members and other stakeholders. Addressing the gathering, Lieutenant General Hadebe expressed her appreciation to the organising committee, parents, guardians and community members for their continued commitment to the initiative over the past five years. She emphasised the importance of continuity, compassion and collective responsibility in ensuring that vulnerable children feel supported and valued. She further highlighted that the objective of the programme is to ensure that children grow up knowing that when they were in need, the police and the community stood by them, ensuring that they too experienced the joy of Christmas like other children. The Provincial Commissioner reaffirmed SAPS’ dual responsibility of safeguarding communities while remaining socially responsive, particularly towards children, even during periods of intensified festive season operations. During the handing over of gifts, children were encouraged to remain respectful, focus on their education and refrain from engaging in criminal activities. Parents and guardians were reminded of their critical role in providing guidance, care and moral support to shape the future of their children. The initiative was further recognised as an important crime prevention and social responsibility programme that strengthens trust and cooperation between SAPS and the community. Lieutenant General Hadebe also shared personal reflections from her upbringing, noting that success is often achieved through perseverance despite hardship, and that acts of kindness and support can have a lasting positive impact on a child’s future. Major General Sebola, together with representatives from Men for Change and the SAPS Women’s Network, echoed messages of encouragement, urging children to uphold discipline, positive values and a strong focus on education, while assuring them of continued support from SAPS and community structures. The Manager of the Number Number Dropping Centre, Ms Motlatjo Selomo, expressed her sincere appreciation for the donation of gifts and acknowledged the five-year partnership with the Provincial Commissioner and SAPS in uplifting disadvantaged children within the Mahwelereng community. The 5th Annual Kiddies’ Christmas Lunch, scheduled for 25 December 2025, will continue the tradition of spreading hope, joy and unity through the provision of festive meals, gifts and meaningful community engagement. Lieutenant General Hadebe wished the children, parents and community members a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Ends
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