Acknowledgments remarks by the Divisional Commissioner for Human Resource Management, Lt General Lineo Nkhuoa at the Passing Out Parade of Trainee Constables – Bisho SAPS Academy, Friday 15 August 2025

Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia;
National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola;
Divisional Commissioner for Human Resource Development, Lt General (Dr) BM Zulu;
Acting Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Major General T Kupiso;
Members of the SAPS Senior Management;
Representatives from Organised Labour, POPCRU and SAPU;
Guests of honour, the trainee Constables on parade;
Distinguished guests, parents, families, and friends;
Members of the Media;
Ladies and gentlemen

Molweni, Good morning,

It is my profound honour, on behalf of the South African Police Service, to deliver this vote of thanks at this important occasion. Today, across our nation, 1 919 new constables are graduating, with 846 of them standing tall here at the Bisho SAPS Academy, ready to serve, protect, and uphold the values of our Constitution.

Allow me to begin by expressing our sincere gratitude to the Honourable Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia. Minister, thank you for officiating over today’s proceedings, which is your first passing out parade since your appointment. We also appreciate your leadership and steadfast vision of unity and stability within our organisation.

Your emphasis in implementing policing priorities Minister, is not merely a policy directive; it is a call to action that inspires us all. Your presence here today reminds us that our work is a shared commitment to the people of South Africa.

To our National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, we thank you for your warm and inspiring welcoming remarks that set the tone for today’s programme.

Your visionary and impactful leadership continues to shape the direction of the SAPS. In all your endeavours General, you always prioritise the wellbeing, growth, and operational readiness of the men and women in blue. Your exemplary leadership; challenges all of us to lead with humility, integrity and decisiveness.

Ladies and gentlemen, today’s parade is a proud reminder and testament of the central role that recruitment and training play in the life of this organisation. From the first day a recruit enters our academies to the day they retire from the Service, their growth, contribution, and wellbeing must remain our highest priority.

Among those standing on parade today, may very well be the future National Commissioner of the SAPS, or a Provincial Commissioner who will one day steer a province through both challenge and triumph. But such a future will only be realised through discipline, commitment, and relentless hard work.

To our graduates, I urge you to seize every opportunity for growth. Continue with your studies, join specialised units, enter the detective services, and be active participants in the technological transformation of our policing environment. Embrace innovation, but never abandon the timeless principles of discipline, respect, and honouring the badge you now wear.

 Esteemed guests, today’s event is also the perfect opportunity, to recognise the sheer magnitude of work undertaken by the SAPS Human Resource Management Division. To my colleagues, the HR Practitioners of the SAPS across the country; I extend my sincerest appreciation for the outstanding execution of what has been one of the largest and most rigorous recruitment drives in our history.

 From over one million applications received during the 2024/2025 intake, you meticulously processed candidates through psychometric testing, physical fitness evaluations, medical assessments, and all recruitment protocols; leading to the final stage of arriving at the 5 500 police recruits.

They all began their journey in February this year, and today they stand among our proud new constables here in Bhisho and at other SAPS academies nationwide. Your professionalism and dedication are truly commendable.

 Programme Director, I also wish to extend heartfelt thanks to the Divisional Commissioner of Human Resource Development, Lt General Zulu, thank you for leading your division with excellence and for ensuring that all SAPS academies remain among the best in the law enforcement training fraternity, and for maintaining strict command, control, and professionalism across all training facilities.

To the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Major General Kupiso, thank you for your support to the academies in this province, ensuring their smooth operation and alignment with national standards.

To the men and women on parade, once again congratulations. You have earned your place in our ranks through hard work and determination.

You are now entrusted with the fight against crime in all its forms, and I urge you to take a stand in the fight against Gender Based Violence and Femicide. Never become perpetrators yourselves.

Make use of the Employee Health and Wellness Services available to you to maintain emotional resilience, mental wellness, and physical fitness, because this profession demands strength in all these areas.

To the families here today, thank you for your support, for allowing us to be part of your loved one’s journey. Behind every strong officer stands a family that believes in them.

You have supported the new constables through long hours of training and through the sacrifices demanded by this calling. Today’s celebration is as much yours as it is theirs and equally ours as the organisation.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me also extend our gratitude to the organisers of these passing out parades taking place simultaneously in six academies across the country. Your dedication has ensured that today’s events are executed with the dignity and precision befitting this milestone.

Members of the media, thank you for your continued partnership in telling the story of the SAPS; your work ensures that the public remains informed of our progress, our challenges, and our commitment.

As I conclude, I would like to say to our new constables; you are stepping into a role that demands courage, integrity, and selflessness. The road ahead will test you.

You will see the best and the worst of the communities we serve. You will be called to act with decisiveness and compassion. Remember, every shift, every call-out, every moment in uniform is an opportunity to make South Africa safer.

Go out there and serve with pride, protect with honour, and carry the SAPS badge as a symbol of your unwavering commitment to the people of this country. The nation is watching, your families are proud, and your colleagues stand with you.

CONGRATULATIONS ONCE AGAIN AND THANK YOU.