Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba to host Provincial SAPS Excellence Awards

Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, the Premier of Limpopo Province, will be leading the Provincial SAPS Excellence Awards on Friday, 10 October 2025. This important event, taking place at The Ranch Protea Hotel in Polokwane, aims to celebrate and acknowledge the outstanding dedication, bravery, and exceptional service provided by members of the South African Police Service in Limpopo. It’s a moment to honour those who go above and beyond in ensuring our communities are safe, reinforcing our collective commitment to fighting crime and supporting our law enforcement heroes.

Key event details

• Event: Provincial SAPS Excellence Awards
• Presiding Official: Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Premier of Limpopo Province
• Date: Friday, 10 October 2025
• Venue: The Ranch Protea Hotel, Polokwane, within Polokwane Municipality, Capricorn District
• Time: 17h00
• Distinguished Guests and Attendees:
  • Members of the Executive Council
  • National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola
  • Host Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe
  • Traditional leaders
  • Leaders of faith-based organisations
  • Community Police Forums
  • Various social partners involved in the fight against crime
• Purpose: To celebrate and recognise outstanding performance, exceptional service delivery, dedication to community safety, and acts of bravery by SAPS Limpopo members.
• Award Categories: More than seven categories, including Detectives, FCS (Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit), Crime Intelligence, Administration, Vispol (Visible Policing), Sports, and the esteemed Provincial Commissioner’s Award.
• RSVP Contact:
  • Colonel Malesela Ledwaba: 082 451 7180
• Enquiries:
  • Thilivhali Muavha (Premier Spokesperson): 066 011 7034
  • Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba (SAPS Head of Communications): 082 565 6524

Celebrating our police heroes and community safety

On Friday, 10 October 2025, our beloved Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, will have the honour of presiding over the Provincial SAPS Excellence Awards. This special evening, hosted at The Ranch Protea Hotel in Polokwane, is more than just an awards ceremony; it is a heartfelt tribute to the brave men and women of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Province.

The awards are designed to shine a light on the extraordinary work our police officers do every day. We want to celebrate their outstanding performance, the exceptional ways they deliver service, their unwavering dedication to keeping our communities safe, and their incredible acts of bravery. It’s important for us to publicly acknowledge these heroes who often put their lives on the line for our protection.

This event will bring together a host of important figures, including members of the Executive Council, the National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, and our host Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe. It also welcomes traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, Community Police Forums, and other social partners. This shows that the fight against crime is a collective effort, and when we work together, we are stronger. We often share news like this on our Premier’s Office News page.

Benefits for the community

By celebrating our police officers, we are not only boosting their morale but also reassuring our communities that their safety is a top priority. Recognising excellence in policing encourages even higher standards of service, leading to more effective crime prevention and better response times. It fosters a sense of trust and partnership between the police and the public, which is crucial for building safer neighbourhoods. When our police feel appreciated, they are even more motivated to serve and protect, directly benefiting every citizen in Limpopo.

How the community can participate

While the awards ceremony itself is an invite-only event, the spirit of the awards – community safety and fighting crime – is something everyone can be part of. We encourage all residents to actively participate in making our province safer. You can get involved by:

• Joining your local Community Police Forum (CPF) to work alongside SAPS in addressing local crime issues.
• Reporting any suspicious activities or crimes you witness to the police.
• Supporting police initiatives and campaigns aimed at reducing crime.
• Spreading awareness about safety and crime prevention within your own social circles.
• Showing appreciation for the police officers in your area, letting them know their efforts are valued.

Questions and answers for the public

Q1: What are the Provincial SAPS Excellence Awards?
A1: These awards are a special event hosted by the Premier of Limpopo Province to celebrate and recognise police officers who have shown outstanding performance, dedication, and bravery in their service to the community.

Q2: Who is organising this event?
A2: The Premier’s Office of Limpopo Province, in partnership with the South African Police Service Limpopo, is organising the awards.

Q3: When and where will the awards take place?
A3: The ceremony will be held on Friday, 10 October 2025, at 17h00, at The Ranch Protea Hotel in Polokwane.

Q4: What kind of achievements are being recognised?
A4: The awards recognise exceptional service delivery, outstanding performance in various policing duties, dedication to community safety, and acts of bravery, among others.

Q5: Can members of the public attend the awards ceremony?
A5: This is primarily an invite-only event for nominees, dignitaries, and key partners in the fight against crime. However, the public can follow news and updates on the event through official channels and Premier’s Office News.

Q6: How does this event benefit the community?
A6: By celebrating police excellence, we encourage higher standards of policing, boost officer morale, and strengthen trust between the police and the public, leading to safer and more secure communities across Limpopo.

Q7: Who are some of the key people attending?
A7: The Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba will preside, joined by the National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Executive Council members, traditional leaders, and community partners.

Q8: How can I show my support for SAPS?
A8: You can support SAPS by joining your local Community Police Forum, reporting crimes and suspicious activities, participating in community safety initiatives, and simply showing appreciation for their hard work.

Q9: What are some of the award categories?
A9: There are more than seven categories, including Detectives, FCS (Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit), Crime Intelligence, Administration, Vispol (Visible Policing), Sports, and the Provincial Commissioner’s Award.

Q10: Who can I contact for more information about the event?
A10: For general enquiries, you can contact Thilivhali Muavha (Premier Spokesperson) at 066 011 7034, or Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba (SAPS Head of Communications) at 082 565 6524.