Retired officers start support network
The group meets monthly and currently has 68 members.
Former police officers who worked for various police stations across East Rand gathered at Actonville Primary School recently to establish a support network.
Representatives from various organisations, including the SAPS, the South African Policing Union, the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union, the Government Employees Pension Fund and ABSA were invited to speak to the group.
According to the group’s visionary, SAPS Ekurhuleni district Captain Ntombikayise Modise, the group’s purpose is to support the men and women in blue, both retired and active members.
“We don’t want to neglect or abandon the retired SAPS members. As a group, we want to be there for each other in times of need. Whether it is bereavement or they are in hospital, we will be there.
“We want officers to unite like when we did when we trained to become police officers and when we encountered challenges while in the force,” said Modise.
Modise said they have about 68 members, and the group meets quarterly and invites various speakers to speak on topics that affect them.
At their latest meeting, Ben Moletsane from Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) praised the group for reaching retirement, adding that it’s a blessing to reach this milestone.
Moletsane advised them to be financially independent and avoid debt.
“So that you can enjoy your money, it’s wise to pay off your house and car when you retire. Don’t buy an expensive home and car because how will you service that vehicle when you are not working?
“To get extra cash, you can get a part-time job, such as lecturing or doing anything that makes you happy. It’s important also that when you’ve retired, to create a new community by assisting at a local NPO, be involved with the CPF to help you stay active.”
He encouraged them to eat nutritious food to keep their bodies healthy and get quality sleep.
Former and current SAPS members who want to join the group can call Modise on 084 662 1385 for more information.
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