Kempton Park police spokesperson makes strides in empowering women

It is a family affair for Kempton Park SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Dipuo Ditshego, whose elder sister’s selfless dedication to serving and protecting the public sparked her journey in the SAPS.

Growing up, Ditshego watched admiringly when her sister, a police officer, shared stories of her experiences on the job, from saving lives to making a difference in their community.

Those moments ignited a fire in Ditshego, and she knew she wanted to follow in her sister’s footsteps.

In January 2007, Ditshego took the first step towards realising her dream, taking on a career spanning over 15 years and counting.

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Little did she know that her journey would not only be about serving and protecting but also about empowering and inspiring others, especially women, to take on leadership roles and make their voices heard.

“I joined the SAPS without any qualification at the time, but was always eager to learn and know the kind of careers available in the SAPS,” said Ditshego.

“I started working at the service centre, where I was in front-desk interactions with various people. Later, I worked for the Crime Prevention Unit, assisting women who had survived GBV.

“Years later, I realised I was more vocal rather than just sitting at the office. I decided to venture into corporate communications,” she added.

Ditshego said retired Captain Jethro Mtshali welcomed her with both hands and walked with her through the journey of corporate communications.

“Captain Mtshali taught me everything I know. I remember his words: ‘We are not acting. Your words cannot be taken back, and you must have your facts first. Don’t be excited to speak to the media,’” recalled Ditshego.
“I loved being vocal about this organisation with so many opportunities,” she added.

According to Ditshego, in days gone by, women were scared to ask their commanders for guidance, and she wanted to change the narrative.

She said her journey to understanding the background of the SAPS was smooth, and she saw the beauty of it through Captain Mtshali.

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Ditshego is studying towards her bachelor’s in police practice, NQF level 7, and is determined to further her studies.

She said she was happy with the progress of the SAPS women who lead.

“Back then, women were not in the forefront. For example, in the Ekurhuleni district currently, we are led by a strong, powerful woman, Major General Anna Sithole. She has all the qualities of being a leader and empowers women to be leaders.

“The women at the forefront now have the abilities to empower more women to say, ‘We can do this. Let us stand strong and work’.”

Ditshego said her support commander at the Kempton Park Polie Station, Colonel Motsatsi Lesomo, is also female.

“Lesomo is one of the women who, when she joined the station three years back, came with this change and saw I was hungry for knowledge.

She was willing to take me by her hands and told me I was capable of doing everything in this organisation.

She saw I was capable of doing everything. Such women are needed in this organisation because we need upliftments with workloads, and community engagements are sometimes overwhelming. It is okay to fall, but eventually dust yourself up,” said Ditshego.

Ditshego emphasised the importance of knowing the organisation and recalled her first memorable communication sector post.

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“I was selected to be the programme director for an event at the station. I remember I was shaking because I had never done it before. I was used to being behind the scenes. I panicked and called Captain Mtshali and told him I could not do it.“

Ditshego urged SAPS leaders to begin training junior officers early on before handing over the baton to them.

“If I were to leave in the next two years, I would have to select a certain officer and teach them everything they need to know so that when I leave, they will be able to handle everything as I taught them,” said Ditshego.

“Also, the leaders must be careful before handing over the baton. They need to check our strengths and must conduct workshops to see who is strong at what. The commanders leading now must start empowering women to say, ‘In the next 10 years, you will lead, and I will groom you’.”

She encouraged girls to consider communications in the SAPS as a career.

“Communication in the organisation will teach you a lot because the more you get to go to the scenes, the more you get to interact with different people, victims and mourners.”

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Ditshego said she was fortunate that retired Captain Mtshali and Lesomo mentored her.

“I am forever grateful and pray there are many like Lesomo to empower women. I don’t know where I would have been if it wasn’t for her mentorship,” she said.

Ditshego urged women to study and dream big.

She said she has faced many challenges as a communication officer.

“Scenes we attend outside, such as murder and cases of abandoned children, are hard as a mother.”

Ditshego said her plans are one day to become a national commissioner and lead the SAPS.