Public Sector Leaders | May 2022

Trust in state institutions is integral to the government successfully carrying out its functions to the benefit of citizens. As the most visible members of government, it is important that the public has confidence in civil service leaders such as the new National Police Commissioner, General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola, whose appointment received a warm welcome from both his colleagues and the nation. Public Sector Leaders asked the Commissioner about his top priorities while in office, his career in law enforcement and his vision for the future of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

WELCOME APPOINTMENT Gen. Masemola brings with him over 20 years of senior management experience in the South African Police Service, which is no wonder Members of Parliament have backed the new Commissioner, as the Police Minister noted.

“MPs have expressed their newfound confidence in the appointment of General Masemola who boasts an impressive policing and leadership record in the organisation,” said Honourable Bheki Cele.

The Minister emphasised the support that the Commissioner will receive during his tenure: "Many of the Parliamentarians have thrown their weight behind the Commissioner whose record speaks for itself. Commissioner, you are not on a lone crusade, the support of your team will be paramount in achieving your goals and overall vision for the organisation.”

A FAMILY IN THE LINE OF DUTY The Commissioner was born in Groblersdal but grew up in the Limpopo village of Greenside, and in some sense Gen. Masmola was destined for a career in law enforcement. “My father and uncles were all policemen. My first choice was to be a police officer and my second choice was to be a lawyer or magistrate,” said the Commissioner.

At first Gen. Masemola’s father did not support the decision for his son to go into law enforcement and had it not been for the Commissioner’s uncle, his father’s elder brother, he may have ended up in a different kind of civil service - such as teaching - instead of joining the police in 1987.

“My uncle is my role model,” says the Commissioner. From his uncle Gen. Masemola learned discipline and respect.

“He believed in my dream and vision of becoming a police officer.”