ADDRESS BY THE NATIONAL COMMISIONER OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE, GENERAL MANGWASHI VICTORIA PHIYEGA, AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE HELD AT TSHWANE SAPS ACADEMY, June 14 2012
Minister of Police, The Honourable Mr. Nathi Mthethwa;
Deputy Minister of Police, The Honourable, Makhotso Sotyu;
LT General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi;
Members of the media
Midday greetings to all of you gathered here today. I am addressing this media conference in less than 48 hours since the announcement of my appointment by the President of the Republic of South Africa his Excellency, Mr Jacob Zuma. Again, I must reiterate the fact that I am indeed humbled by the appointment, as the first female National Commissioner of the South African Police Service in the 99 years of policing history of this country. A testimony of President Zuma's commitment to drive transformational leadership.
Equally I acknowledge the huge and overwhelming task ahead as I join a team of great men and women in blue. Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much, this is however, a responsibility we should take with both hands soldiering on in delivering on the mandate South Africans have entrusted upon us. In order to succeed, I acknowledge that it is necessary to consult, listen and learn. This should be complimented by leading and acting decisively.
Ladies and gentlemen, our mandate is that of fighting crime, hence we will work tirelessly towards realizing this goal with all the resources, skills and expertise to ensure that the people of South Africa are and feel safe. If we are able to prevent, investigate and combat crime, we will definitely make life difficult for the ruthless criminals out there.
I subscribe to the school of thought of ISE, meaning, Integrity, Service to others before self and Excellence. I strongly believe in the principal of "more" Mphiri o tee ga o lle.