Date: 30/12/2004
Source: Kwazulu-Natal Provincial Government
Title: Cele: Chatsworth SAPS Training Centre


Speech (notes) by KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mr Bheki Cele, at the Chatsworth SAPS Training Centre

All Protocol Observed

Since becoming a democracy, South Africa has adopted the principles of accountability, transparency and accessibility.

Civilian oversight of the police is one of the measures which the Constitution dictates to promote transformation and it is one of the key areas of policy change in the safety and security environment.

During my budget speech delivered to the provincial legislature on 26th July, I made specific mention of the fact that a target has been set by the Department of Public Service and Administration to have all government structures apply a 30% equity target in terms of the representation of women in government.

At that stage, female representation in the SAPS KwaZulu–Natal was as follows:

RANK: Deputy Commissioner
FEMALE: 0
MALE: 5

RANK: Assistant Commissioner
FEMALE: 1
MALE: 11

RANK: Snr Superintendent
FEMALE: 12
MALE: 96

RANK: Superintendent
FEMALE: 101
MALE: 426

RANK: Captain
FEMALE: 343
MALE: 1166

It is clear that women are not equitably represented in management and this situation has to change.

I have since been in constant talks with SAPS management to have oversight on all personnel appointments made in the province so as to monitor the implementation of national targets for gender representivity.

As many of you are aware, since my appointment I have made several calls at various public platforms for more female representation in senior management positions, both in the SAPS and the Department of Transport.

Today I am proud to observe that there is indeed some progress in this direction.

It gives me great pleasure to announce that of the approximately 291 promotion posts to Captain, Superintendent and Senior Superintendent that become effective as from tomorrow, 136 (47%) are females.

Therefore, as of tomorrow, of a total of 2 372 posts ranging from Captain to Senior Superintendent in KwaZulu-Natal, 581 (24%) will be females.

This effectively means that since July 2004 we have moved from approximately 21, 3% female representation to approximately 24% female representation, in the above-mentioned ranks.

I am sure that you will agree that we still have a long way to go, but progress is noted.

I also wish to take this opportunity to inform you that the name of the Department of Safety and Security has been changed to, Department of Community Safety and Liaison. Hence my portfolio is that of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison.

Finally, as we head into the festive season I would like to urge each and every one of you to be role models to the public you serve, and uphold all the laws of our country.

Make a concerted effort to save a life this festive season.

In conclusion, I want to personally thank all members of the SAPS for their hard work and dedication in 2004. Let us all commit to strive to do better in 2005.

Have a safe and joyful Christmas.

I thank you.

Media contact: Logan Maistry
Acting Director: Communication Support KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport
Cell: 083 644 4050
Issued by: Department of Transport, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
30 November 2004