Durban — Ugu District SAPS recently bid farewell to some of its members who were leaving the service for various reasons.
Starting with a quote, Ugu Cluster’s Captain Petros Mpinge said that author and television producer Fred Rogers said: “Often when you think you're at the end of something, you're at the beginning of something else.”
Mpinge said that these words ring true for the three Ugu District members who were leaving the employ of the SAPS at the end of September due to retirement and other career opportunities.
Captain Wayne O’Connor is the Ugu District labour relations officer who joined the organisation in 1984 and was based as a personnel officer at Newcastle, whereafter in 1996 he became the labour relations officer.
He was perfectly suited to this environment as Captain O’Connor has “the gift of the gab”. Interacting with managers on various levels and clashing swords with union representatives was what kept his blood flowing.
Captain Hilda Thomas was based at Ugu District Management Information Centre and she was instrumental in the smooth running of that component.
“We (are) glad that she did not enrol in the navy as we at Ugu District would have never crossed paths with her and the SAPS uniform suits her better. She has provided invaluable training and skill to many members in her environment,” Mpinge said.
Captain Thomas began her policing career in 1991 in Welkom in the Free State and leaves with more than 31 years of service.
Warrant Officer Xolani Masinga from SAPS Hibberdene certainly does not look old enough to retire. The member has loyally served the SAPS from 1988 when he received his training at Hammanskraal. Stations where he served such as Jeppe Street, Isipingo and Hibberdene were privileged to have a hard-working and committed member.
He has experience in a number of fields including visible policing, detectives, Social Crime Prevention and the Community Service Centre.
Ugu district commissioner, Major General Sethenya Nxamagele, and her management wished good health, happiness and prosperity follow the members on the next chapter of their lives.
On behalf of the SAPS, she thanked them for their constant commitment to the organisation, dedication and patriotism to the police badge.
Daily News