Manenberg officers receive recognition at provincial police awards
Manenberg police officers from left are Captain Ian Bennett, Lieutenant Colonel Eric White, and Brigadier Jayce Naidoo at the Western Cape SAPS Excellence Awards on Saturday January 17.
Image: Supplied
Captain Ian Bennett and Lieutenant Colonel Eric White were recognised at the Western Cape South African Police Service (SAPS) Excellence Awards this year, celebrating decades of dedicated service to their communities.
The ceremony, held on Saturday, January 17, at Century City, was attended by all members of the police services.
Captain Bennett recently celebrated 40 years in the police service. His career, especially the past 20 years in corporate communications and the last 15 at Manenberg SAPS, has focused on transparency, accountability, and building trust between SAPS and the community.
Brigadier Jayce Naidoo and Captain Ian Bennett with his award at the Western Cape SAPS Excellence Awards on Saturday January 17.
Image: Supplied
“Behind every statistic is a story of dedication, risk, and triumph,” Captain Bennett said.
“My role has been to showcase these stories and actively demonstrate the tireless efforts of officers on the ground.”
Even though he is living with a disability, he continues to serve in policing, which this award recognises.
Lieutenant Colonel White has served in the police for 38 years, including 25 years at Mowbray police station before transferring to Manenberg in 2011 as a lieutenant.
He received the first runner-up award in the Administration Employer of the Year, Level 8/12, marking his first recognition at this senior administrative level.
Brigadier Jayce Naidoo with Lieutenant Colonel Eric White at the Western Cape SAPS Excellence Awards on Saturday, January 17. Lieutenant Colonel White was very delighted to receive this award at the cusp of retirement.
Image: Supplied
Lieutenant Colonel White, who retires at 60 later this year, plans to continue contributing to the police through disciplinary work at union level and marking exam papers for the education department.
The winners of the categories were Captain GJ Joubert for Administration Employee of the Year (Level 8–12) and Chief Administration Clerk F Brown for Person with Disability of the Year.
“I enjoy my job. I accommodate community complaints no matter the time, often staying until midnight. My family is very proud of me,” he said.
For Captain Bennett, the awards are also a spiritual milestone: “Policing became a ministry, and 40 years of service has blossomed into something truly awe-inspiring. God has ordained my career with purpose: to be of service.”
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