Honoring The Resilient Women of South African Police Service

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south african police service women's month

Constable Reanoldar Nsuku Mathonsi is a remarkable female police officer in South Africa’s Public Order Policing unit who has set a laudable example. She is a long-distance runner and the first female SAPS athlete to complete the Comrades Marathon. Mathonsi’s story offers a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that our future destinations hold more significance than our past origins. As we mark Women’s Month, Mathonsi stands out as a shining example of physical strength and mental agility.

Who is Constable Reanoldar Nsuku Mathonsi?

Constable Reanoldar Nsuku Mathonsi is a remarkable female police officer in South Africa’s Public Order Policing unit known for her exceptional resolve and unwavering commitment beyond her expected duties. She is also a long-distance runner and the first female SAPS athlete to complete the Comrades Marathon, a significant achievement given the SAPS had 356 participants in the race. Mathonsi’s story offers a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that our future destinations hold more significance than our past origins.

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) is marking Women’s Month through a distinctive celebration. This year, the focus is on lauding their female personnel who are not only pioneers in their respective fields but are also known for their extraordinary resolve and unwavering commitment beyond their expected duties.

The Golden Precedence Set by Constable Reanoldar Nsuku Mathonsi

A notable exemplar among these women is Constable Reanoldar Nsuku Mathonsi. She serves as an impressive officer in the Public Order Policing (POP) unit in Burgersfort, Limpopo and has set a laudable example. The POP unit, which is charged with overseeing public assemblies, large-scale events, and protests, necessitates adeptness in operational strategies and methods, which are specifically intended for crowd control.

Given this context, the achievements of Mathonsi are even more remarkable. Her mother, foreseeing her greatness, named her Nsuku, a Tsonga word for ‘gold’. Hailing from Nsavulani Village in Giyani, Limpopo, Mathonsi became a member of the Police Service in 2022, beginning as a student constable. She was a part of the ambitious PROJECT 10,000, which involved the recruitment, selection, and training of 10,000 trainees.

Mathonsi: A Unique Blend of Professionalism and Passion

Aside from her professional accolades, Mathonsi is quite an intriguing personality. She is a long-distance runner, a passion she unearthed while undertaking the Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP). She is a critical member of the SAPS Limpopo Marathon Club and has represented the SAPS in several marathon events.

A significant highlight in her achievements is her performance at the Comrades Marathon. Mathonsi had the honor of being the first female SAPS athlete to complete the race. Her exceptional performance, finishing the rookie race in a time of 09:10:18, won her the esteemed ‘Robert Mtshali’ medal. This achievement is especially notable given that the SAPS had 356 participants in the ‘Ultimate Human Race’, marking an increase of 156 runners from the previous year.

Beyond The Badge: Mathonsi’s Commitment to Community

Mathonsi’s character goes beyond the typical image of a police officer. Being a holder of an N6 Certificate in Building and Civil Engineering, she could have easily taken a different career path. However, she found her true calling in serving her community. For Mathonsi, the police badge is more than an emblem; it is a testament to her pledged commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of her community.

She vividly states, “As a police officer, there is a sense of fulfillment in ensuring my community’s safety. Every day, I wear my uniform and badge and work towards maintaining peace – that’s our ultimate goal.” Her words truly embody her fervor and unyielding dedication. For Constable Reanoldar Nsuku Mathonsi, her career in law enforcement is not merely a job; it is an obligation she wouldn’t swap for anything else.

Women’s Month: Celebrating Mathonsi’s Inspirational Journey

As we mark Women’s Month, Constable Reanoldar Nsuku Mathonsi stands out as a shining example. Her twin roles as a police officer and a marathon runner depict her physical strength and mental agility. As we celebrate women’s power and achievements, Mathonsi’s story offers a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that our future destinations hold more significance than our past origins.

Who is Constable Reanoldar Nsuku Mathonsi?

Constable Reanoldar Nsuku Mathonsi is a remarkable female police officer in South Africa’s Public Order Policing unit known for her exceptional resolve and unwavering commitment beyond her expected duties. She is also a long-distance runner and the first female SAPS athlete to complete the Comrades Marathon, a significant achievement given the SAPS had 356 participants in the race.

What is the Public Order Policing unit?

The Public Order Policing (POP) unit is charged with overseeing public assemblies, large-scale events, and protests, necessitating adeptness in operational strategies and methods, which are specifically intended for crowd control.

What highlights Mathonsi’s achievements at the Comrades Marathon?

Mathonsi had the honor of being the first female SAPS athlete to complete the Comrades Marathon. Her exceptional performance, finishing the rookie race in a time of 09:10:18, won her the esteemed ‘Robert Mtshali’ medal. This achievement is especially notable given that the SAPS had 356 participants in the ‘Ultimate Human Race’, marking an increase of 156 runners from the previous year.

What is Mathonsi’s commitment to community?

Mathonsi’s character goes beyond the typical image of a police officer. Being a holder of an N6 Certificate in Building and Civil Engineering, she could have easily taken a different career path. However, she found her true calling in serving her community. For Mathonsi, the police badge is more than an emblem; it is a testament to her pledged commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of her community.

Why is Mathonsi’s journey inspirational?

As we mark Women’s Month, Constable Reanoldar Nsuku Mathonsi stands out as a shining example. Her twin roles as a police officer and a marathon runner depict her physical strength and mental agility. As we celebrate women’s power and achievements, Mathonsi’s story offers a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that our future destinations hold more significance than our past origins.

What is Women’s Month in South Africa?

Women’s Month in South Africa is a distinctive celebration that focuses on lauding their female personnel who are not only pioneers in their respective fields but are also known for their extraordinary resolve and unwavering commitment beyond their expected duties.

Zola Naidoo is a Cape Town journalist who chronicles the city’s shifting politics and the lived realities behind the headlines. A weekend trail-runner on Table Mountain’s lower contour paths, she still swops stories in her grandmother’s District Six kitchen every Sunday, grounding her reporting in the cadences of the Cape.

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