Meet Dundee SAPS’s new communications officer, Constable Siyabonga Nkwanyanya
Getting a job at the SAPS at the tender age of 24 was a dream come true.
Constable Siyabonga Nkwanyana (35), the Umzinyathi District communications officer of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Dundee office, exudes an aura of being a ‘fitness enthusiast, a modest man, and a fervent believer’.
Nkwanyana, who hails from the dusty streets of Nyanyadu, did not allow his modest upbringing to stop him from pursuing his dreams.
A brother to four other siblings, he graduated from Isiphosemvelo Secondary School in 2005, but was unable to continue his education due to financial difficulties.
“Growing up, I always wanted to become a teacher, but my career vision took a swift change after matriculating, as I could not afford to fulfil my teaching dream at a tertiary institution,” explained Nkwanyana.
He further explained that as a result of this, he managed to get into the security sector, where his love of the criminal justice system was ignited.
“Working as a security guide for a local company, I got to interact with the SAPS officials in my line of work and that’s where my passion came in,” said the dedicated constable.
He further added that his love for the force materialised back in 2012 when he landed himself a job as a police officer at Dundee SAPS.
“Getting a job at the SAPS at the tender age of 24 was a dream come true. I remember how I cried the day I was officially asked to join the Dundee office after undergoing training.
“That was honestly the happiest day of my life,” he explains.
He also stated that as a devout Christian, he knew that his narrative wouldn’t end with him being the head of department at the security company where he worked.
“I knew I had bigger dreams to fulfil, and that’s why I was able to motivate myself and apply when the SAPS posts came out that year. And I got accepted,” said Nkwanyana.
His initial position was at the Service Complaint Centre in 2012. Afterwards, he was transferred to the Crime Prevention Unit from 2014 to 2018.
From 2018 to 2020, Nkwanyana served in the Detective Task Team Unit.
In January 2020, he worked for the Operational Command Centre, and later that year was assigned as a communications officer for Umzinyathi District SAPS under Corporate Communications.
Nkwanyana defines himself as a ‘life lover’ who cannot spend a day without going to the gym, as well as an affable individual.
“I am a fitness freak and my love for the gym dates back to the SAPS academy. I also love posting my fitness videos on social media,” said a clearly excited Nkwanyana.
His face lit up as he talked about his fitness journey, which includes encouraging others through workout videos.
Asked about his most traumatic experience, Nkwanyana said it was being falsely accused and arrested for something he did not do.
His message to the youth is: “I know that jobs are scarce in our country, but I still believe that education is the ultimate key to success. Had I afforded to study further back, I would be very far in life, because I believe that education can take you places you could only dream of.”
Four things you didn’t know about Constable Nkwanyana
– He loves his family;
– He is atelophobic (extreme fear of imperfection);
– He loves soccer and is part of the Tigers Football Club management);
– He is very accepting of things he cannot change.
