SAPS reveal policing careers to local learners
Edenvale’s Visible Policing commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Lionel Chetty, said the expo also empowered today’s youth.
Don Mattera Child and Youth Care Centre learners attended a career expo organised by the Edenvale Police Station on September 21.
According to Edenvale SAPS communications officer Warrant Officer Jacob Mashile, the expo aimed to teach learners about careers they could choose in the SAPS.
Edenvale’s Visible Policing commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Lionel Chetty, said the expo also empowered today’s youth.
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“Learners usually think the SAPS is only about working at police stations and there is nothing else.
“There is more to it. There are many opportunities available in the SAPS,” he said.
He said the learners were interested in the expo, which proved they did not know there was more to the SAPS than being a police officer.
Chetty also said not many young people chose a career in policing because the perception was that salaries were low, but that was not the case.
He said the various levels in the service had different salaries.
“Like any other career, the higher you go, the higher you earn.
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“Everybody starts somewhere, and you just have to continue studying within the SAPS to get promoted,” said Chetty.
A Grade 10 learner, whose identity must remain anonymous, said he learned a lot.
“I am happy I came here because there was so much I did not know.
“If my first career choice does not go well, I will consider joining the police service,” said the learner.
“At this time of the year, learners do not know which career to take.
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“So I hope this will open their minds to start thinking about what career to pursue,” highlighted Chetty.
Sergeant Malesela Bopape of the Social Crime Prevention Unit said they were proud of how well the learners responded to the information.
“It shows that they take their future seriously,” said Bopape
Mashile said the Don Mattera management welcomed the initiative by the Edenvale SAPS and encouraged regular visits.
