When not engaged in police duties and keeping the community safe, two women in blue at the South African Police Service (SAPS), Constable Lydia Thubana and Sergeant Tshepiso Mphahlele, took the opportunity to study.  Thubana earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy, while Mphahlele obtained a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology during Unisa’s #2025AutumnGraduations.

Constable Lydia Thubana

Thubana is a seasoned SAPS member with a successful track record spanning 18 years, beginning as a reservist. She held various roles that showcased her versatility and dedication. She served as a police constable at the SAPS Forensic Laboratory from 2011 to 2016, honing her criminal justice and forensic investigations skills. Subsequently, she contributed her expertise to the SAPS National Public Order Policing Unit, focusing on policy and planning, where she played a vital role in managing public order and crowd control operations.

In 2024, Thubana joined the external development section. In May 2025, she was deployed to the Vala Umgodi Tactical Operations Centre - Joint Operations Centre (TAC-JOC) in Limpopo, where she continues to serve diligently, ensuring the safety and security of her community.

A commitment to continuous learning

Thubana’s pursuit of higher education reflects her dedication to professional growth. In addition to her recently obtained qualification at Unisa, she holds a Diploma in Public Administration and Management and a Diploma in Criminal Justice. She is continuing her Unisa studies towards an Honours degrees in International Politics and Dynamics of Peace and Conflict in Africa at the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs. Her commitment to expanding her knowledge is further demonstrated through numerous certificates in areas that include monitoring and evaluation, criminal justice, client service-learning programme, introduction to police development learning programme, and crowd management.

Her recent graduation is a proud culmination of her perseverance and hard work, inspiring colleagues and community members alike.

An inspiring journey

Her current service at the Vala Umgodi TAC-JOC and her journey serve as inspiring reminders that continuous learning and unwavering commitment can lead to both personal and professional fulfilment. Her journey underscores the importance of perseverance and the pursuit of excellence in making a positive difference in society.

Against all odds

Mphahlele expressed excitement at her recent graduation, stating how far she had come and that, finally, her resilience had paid off. "I made it to honours level against all odds, and I am looking forward to a master’s degree," she says.

Sergeant Tshepiso Mphahlele

Mphahlele is currently based at the SAPS Rapid Rail Police Unit (RRPU) in the visible policing section. "The desire to be a psychologist," she says, "is beyond the title itself. It came from a desire to help people who experienced unfortunate circumstances during their upbringing."

She continues: "I was inspired by my former psychologist, who assisted me after I was sexually abused at the age of five. The sessions changed my entire perspective about abuse and put me on a path to help others who went through the same trauma. I want to let them know that it is possible to heal, forgive, and move on to live a happier life."

The experienced sergeant who has been with the SAPS for 19 years says that she lost her husband in the first year of her postgraduate studies. "It was challenging because of the sudden transition in my life," she says. "Grief took its toll, as did the realisation that I will be taking care of my kids alone, yet, despite all these events, I continued to pursue my goal."

Mphahlele intends applying the knowledge gained from her qualification to render counselling services at the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit.

Affordable fees and integrated lifelong learning

In conclusion, Mphahlele says that she admires Unisa for its lifelong learning regardless of age or occupation, the manageable tuition fees and the quality education offering, which, she says, is integrated with societal development and aligns with modern and future workplace practices.

The academic prowess of Constable Thubana and Sergeant Mphahlele is a testament to their unwavering dedication, resilience and commitment to lifelong learning. Both women are determined to take even greater responsibilities and challenges. They hope their story encourages fellow students to pursue their goals relentlessly, regardless of age or circumstances, and to always strive for growth and excellence.

* By Godfrey Madibane, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement, with additional reporting by the SAPS Office of the Provincial Commissioner, Limpopo