South Africa National Police Day: Golf Fundraiser Raises R6.6 Million for Fallen Officers’ Children

National Police Day: Golf Fundraiser Raises R6.6 Million for Fallen Officers’ Children

CAPE TOWN – In a heartfelt tribute to the fallen heroes of the South African Police Service (SAPS), more than 100 golf players from various corporate companies gathered on Thursday, January 25, 2024, to honor and support the children of police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

National Police Day, established by Cabinet in 2005 and observed on January 27 each year, serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women in blue who dedicate themselves to ensuring the safety of all South Africans.

Over the past four years, SAPS mourns the loss of 140 police officers, individuals who were not just officers but also breadwinners for their families. To alleviate the educational burden on their children, the South African Police Education Trust Fund (SAPSET) organized a fundraising event that proved to be a remarkable success.

The golf event raised an impressive R6.6 million, which will be directed towards supporting the educational needs of the children left behind. SAPSET, which currently aids children from grade RR to tertiary level, has already assisted 1078 children, with 54 graduating and 146 holding a National Senior Certificate.

Expressing gratitude, Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, acknowledged the impact of corporate support: “These funds go a long way in making a meaningful difference in the lives of these children left behind.” He hopes for continued corporate support in the future to ensure that the educational needs of these children are consistently met.

National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, took the opportunity to thank the men and women in blue for their unwavering commitment to keeping South Africa safe. He urged communities to work together with the police force to combat crime, emphasizing the recent loss of 33 police officers in the line of duty since January 2023.

Highlighting the urgency of community involvement, Gen Masemola said, “These killings have to stop, and they can only stop if communities take a stand against them.” He shared the tragic news of laying a Constable to rest who was run over by a truck while assisting at an accident scene in KZN, underscoring the dangers faced by police officers daily.

SAPSET, crucial to supporting the education of these children, is managed by a board of trustees led by Mr. Vuyani Jarana. Their responsibility is to source and raise funds to ensure that the educational needs of these children are met.

In conclusion, the SAPS management extends gratitude to all sponsors and donors for their generous contributions. The hope is that this support will continue to grow, making a lasting impact on the lives of the children left behind by the brave men and women in blue.

For further information, please contact Brigadier Athlenda Mathe at 082 040 8808.