Pretoria - A trust to support the educational needs of the children of South African Police Service members, who die in the line of duty, has been officially unveiled.
“We undertook this conscious decision in recognition that the education of our members’ orphaned children is a fundamental social responsibility, which as the department, we fully embrace,” Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said at the launch on Wednesday.
The trust, which was first muted in 2010, has already identified 11 beneficiaries.
Among them is second year BCom Accounting student, Pheladi Mphahlele, 22, who is the daughter of the late warrant officer, who was stationed at the Modimolle Police Station in Limpopo, before meeting his death in December 2011.
Others include third year Civil Engineering student Amukelani Rivombo, who is the son of the late warrant officer, who was stationed at the Johannesburg Central Police Station, who was killed in 2010.
Most beneficiaries of the trust are aged between 19 and 29 years. Mthethwa said this was a sign that the youth were determined to become leaders.
“The fact that they are at tertiary institutions shows that our investment will not be in vain. We are proud of you because you are growing at a time when the youth are under constant challenges of unemployment, substance abuse and crime.”
Mthethwa believed that through the establishment of the trust, SAPS have set the motion of development in place.
“We have planted the seeds of prosperity and youth development. We challenge all influential role models and leaders to join our crusade and support this initiative,” he said, calling for more financial, corporate, training and moral support for the trust.
The minister said SAPS management would continue to address the dangers that face police members on a daily basis and endeavour to find ways to protect them.
“Let their passing not be in vain. We can never bring them back to life but hope such an important initiative of furthering their children’s education shall communicate a message that their gallant actions were not in vain.” – SAnews.gov.za
