Brigadier Jayce Naidoo earns top leadership honour at Western Cape police awards
Manenberg SAPS station commander Brigadier Jayce Naidoo has placed first in the Law Enforcement Management leadership category at the Western Cape Community Police Awards.
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Manenberg police station commander Brigadier Jayce Naidoo has placed first in the Law Enforcement Management leadership category at the Western Cape Community Police Awards.
The award was presented on Saturday, January 24, at the Fish Hoek Civic Centre.
Brigadier Naidoo was surprised by the recognition and honoured to have been nominated from among 152 police stations across the province, he said.
Brigadier Naidoo, a policing veteran with more than 40 years’ experience, was re-enlisted into the South African Police Service (SAPS) in 2017 after previously stepping away from the organisation. He was appointed as station commander of Manenberg SAPS in December 2024.
Manenberg SAPS station commander Brigadier Jayce Naidoo received the award on Saturday January 24 at Fish Hoek Civic Centre.
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Brigadier Naidoo’s leadership style focuses on accountability and recognition within the station. He said every member’s contribution is acknowledged, while commanders are held responsible for their areas of work, said Manenberg police spokesperson Captain Ian Bennett, who, along with his colleague, was also awarded for their work at another ceremony ("Manenberg officers receive recognition at provincial police awards" Athlone News January 20).
Beyond internal management, Brigadier Naidoo has been actively involved in engagements with the community and other stakeholders on broader social challenges affecting policing.
One such issue emerged following a SAPS career exhibition held in July last year, which showed that none of the pupils from schools within the Manenberg policing precinct met the requirements for entry into SAPS careers or university studies.
From left are Brigadier Mark Hartzenberg, acting district commander for City of Cape Town, Brigadier Brian Muller, Mitchell's Plain police station commander, Brigadier Jayce Naidoo, Manenberg police station commander and Brigadier Jan Alexander, acting sub-district commander for Tygerberg district at the awards on Saturday January 24.
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Subsequent discussions with education stakeholders highlighted that several high schools in the precinct did not offer Mathematics or Science, subjects regarded as critical for access to further education and certain career paths.
Captain Bennett said Brigadier Naidoo raised concerns during these engagements and participated in discussions aimed at addressing the matter.
Within months, a directive was issued requiring Mathematics and Science to be offered at high schools within the Manenberg policing precinct. While the broader scope of the directive remains unclear, local stakeholders have welcomed the development as an important step forward.
Earlier this year, Brigadier Naidoo also supported the launch of a mentorship initiative involving former pupils from Manenberg who have gone on to professional careers. The programme aims to expose current pupils to positive role models and encourage long-term educational and career planning, said Captain Bennett.
In addition, a Child Care Wellness Centre was later established at Sonderend Primary School to provide emotional and psychological support to pupils ("Join Sonderend Primary's mission to support pupils in need" Athlone News, October 17).
Captain Bennett said Brigadier Naidoo’s vision for the precinct includes closer cooperation between police and the community, with a focus on safety, development, and long-term social change.