Lt Gen CN Mbekela, SAPS Divisional Commissioner: Human Resources Development, Prof Elmarie Sadler, SBL acting Executive Director & CEO, Gen Riah Phiyega, SAPS National Police Commissioner
On Thursday, 21 February 2013, the South African Police Service (SAPS), National Police Commissioner, General Riah Phiyega and a high profile delegation of the SAPS visited the Unisa Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL). The aim of the visit was to discuss a possible partnership between the institutions that will include the development of leadership and management programmes as well as possible research collaboration opportunities.
In her opening address General Phiyega informed the meeting that the SAPS is in the process of professionalising its service to the community. She said that the Police would like engage with South African business leaders and create various outreach platforms to encourage debate, inputs, and opportunities, get advice as well as discuss people issues. Her priority is to ensure that the Police Service is transparent in the delivery of safety and security in South Africa. She continued by informing the meeting that the SAPS are that largest police force on the African continent and employed 200 000 full-time staff members. The Service has 25 Police Academies and recently upgraded training from six months to two years in order to enable staff to receive more specialised training.
Prof Elmarie Sadler, acting Executive Director and CEO of the SBL said that she is confident that the SBL and other Unisa Colleges will be able to meet the needs identified by the SAPS. “It excites me to observe the SAPS has a specific interest in the advancement of senior female police officers, as well as the advancement of research capacity.” said prof Sadler.
General Phiyega was joined by Lieutenant General CN Mbekela; Divisional Commissioner: Human Resources Development. Unisa was represented by the SBL management and academia as well as a representative from the Unisa Police Practice Department, Mr Mpho Mathlala and the Unisa Public Administration and Management Department, Mr Sello Tsoabisi.
Further discussion will take place between the two institutions in order to compile a Memorandum of Agreement.
