KwaZulu-Natal: KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has scooped the “Risk Influencer of the Year” Award. The award was presented to Mkhwanazi by the President of the Institute for Risk Management South Africa (IRMSA) Bheki Gutshwa and IRMSA CEO Yvonne Mothibi on 29 November.

According to South African Government News Agency, the IRMSA has recognised and honoured prominent South African leaders in the past years in the same category of the Risk Influencer of the Year, including President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Risk Excellence Awards celebrate and honour those who contribute positively to protecting people, while mitigating risks in promoting the safety and interests of the country.

“This prestigious award is testament to Lt Gen Mkhwanazi’s tireless efforts in promoting a culture of risk awareness and resilience within the province of KZN and the greater South Africa,” said the South African Police Service (SAPS) in a statement. Under the leadership of Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu
-Natal province has implemented innovative risk management strategies, ensuring the safety and security of communities.

National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, commended Mkhwanazi on this feat. “We congratulate Lt Gen Mkhwanazi on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to his continued leadership in this critical province,” said Masemola. He said Mkhwanazi’s achievement is a reflection of outstanding leadership and the ability to inspire and motivate SAPS members to prioritise risk management, enforce the rule of law and instil confidence in the SAPS crime fighting capabilities.

In accepting the award, Mkhwanazi said: “This award recognises SAPS’s dedication to risk management and our commitment to creating a safer and more secure environment for all.”