A total of 287 recruits from the Mankwe Academy were among the 1,919 trainee constables who participated in passing out parades held across the country on Friday (15/8). Mankwe’s graduating class included 286 new constables, of whom 215 were women. 

These newly trained officers had completed the basic police development learning programme, a comprehensive six-month training initiative designed to prepare them for the demands of law enforcement. For many, the passing out parade was a moment of immense pride and joy. 

Oupa Marimahaye spoke with heartfelt gratitude as he watched his cousin graduate. “We are very grateful as a family, very proud. We’ve missed her, and we really hope she becomes one of those who are sent soldiers to abide by the law at all times. It’s a very big day for the family, for all of us.

“We just don’t have words to say, but all we can say is we thank God that they managed to progress through six months. We are really grateful to SAPS trainers, their colleagues,” said an emotional Marimahaye.

The event was presided over by Northern Cape provincial commissioner Lt. Gen. Koliswa Otola, who highlighted the importance of the new constables in the ongoing efforts to enhance the police service and improve public safety.

Core of service delivery

“The training of these new constables is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the SAPS and enhance police visibility in all communities, and move with speed to advance crime-fighting initiatives,” said Otola. 

“As they embark on their journey, the management and the country remain confident that professionalism, integrity, and respect, in line with the SAPS code of conduct, will be at the core of service delivery.” Otola also congratulated the new officers for choosing a career dedicated to protecting the lives and property of South Africans, emphasising the nobility of their mission to serve and uphold the law.

The graduation also marked a significant shift toward greater gender representation within the police service. National police commissioner Gen. Fannie Masemola noted the largest portion of the newly trained constables nationwide were women, with 1,017 females graduating compared to 902 males.

“This moment is part of our 2025 recruitment drive, a strategic effort to strengthen our front line, rejuvenate our service, and bring new energy, skill, and commitment into the SAPS. These trainees have not been given this honor lightly; they have earned their place on parade.”

Passing out parades were also held in, among others, the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal. In total, 849 constables graduated from the Mthatha Academy in the Eastern Cape, 222 from the Bishop Lavis Academy in the Western Cape, 201 from the Moloto Academy in Mpumalanga, and 145 from Ulundi Academy in KwaZulu-Natal.

Masemola underscored the critical role of community involvement in the fight against crime. Policing is not just about making arrests, he said, but about building trust and fostering relationships within the communities officers serve.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh