POLOKWANE – The South African Police Service Retired Members Association (SAPSRMA) aims to build a spirit of unity.
The association was formed in 2002 with the aim of catering to the interests of all retired members and their families. The social club allows the former SAPS members an opportunity to be part of a collective which will be there in times of need.
The club is open to any retired member of any age, gender or race. Public relations officer for the association in the Capricorn district, Joseph Maepa says they have roughly 48 members and they would like to increase that number.
He told BONUS that he has noticed that most retired members are not aware of the benefits of joining the association. “People do not realise how lonely it can get when you no longer work. The association offers a chance to keep busy with people who understand where you are coming from,” he added. The association meets on a quarterly basis at the Seshego Police Station but is available all year long for its members. “We visit and check up on each other regularly.”
He says that it is sad to see former men in blue depend on the bottle or get involved in criminal activities because they do not have a proper support system.
“We also organise trips as a collective with the last one having been to the Kruger National Park in 2018. The association is also used to share relevant information about retirement, pension funds and other issues which pertains to retired SAPS members. There is no specific time for joining as the association is ready to welcome new members all the time,” he concluded.
