Durban: Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) continue to face challenging working conditions as they combat high rates of violent crime in the country. National Police Day, observed annually on January 27, acknowledges the dedication and sacrifices of police officers who risk their lives daily to ensure public safety.
According to South African Government News Agency, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, highlighted that this year’s National Police Day celebrations align with the 30th anniversary of policing in a democratic South Africa. The SAPS was formed in 1995 after the amalgamation of various policing agencies, marking a significant shift in the country’s law enforcement landscape following the attainment of independence in 1994.
This year’s National Police Day will be celebrated in KwaZulu-Natal, specifically in eThekwini. The event aims to demonstrate the SAPS’s capabilities and reassure that Durban remains a favorable location for hosting significant events. Since its establishment in April 2024, the Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG) has been addressing service delivery, infrastructure, and socio-economic challenges to position the city as an investment and tourism hub.
In the lead-up to National Police Day, SAPS will host a fundraising golf day on January 25, 2025, to support the South African Police Service Education Trust (SAPSET). The trust provides financial assistance for the educational needs of children whose parents, serving in the police force, died in the line of duty. Mkhwanazi emphasized the importance of supporting these children, noting that last year, a provincial event in KwaZulu-Natal raised approximately R1.2 million for this cause.
The SAPS Excellence Awards, scheduled for January 26, 2025, will recognize exceptional dedication and service within the organization. This includes honoring police officers who go beyond their duties, as well as members of Community Policing Forums who contribute to crime prevention efforts. National Police Commemoration Day, held annually on the first Sunday in September, memorializes officers who have died in the line of duty over the past year.