Limpopo cop encourages youth to chase their dreams
Winner of the South African Police Service's national sportsman of the year award in January, Const Gladstone Shabangu helps township kids groom their athletic skills.
LIMPOPOÂ – Shabangu (32) is a familiar face at the local athletics club and loved by many of the aspiring athletes who train there.
Born and raised in Nkowankowa township near Tzaneen, Shabangu runs the Ritavi Cross Warriors Athletic Club at the local stadium and several of his 12 students have participated in and won medals in provincial and national competitions.
“I run the club at my own expense because I have a passion for sport and helping the youth. The club helps to fight crime by keeping these kids off the streets and away from the temptation of joining violent gangs and taking drugs and alcohol,” he said.
Shabangu joined the police force in 2010 and is currently stationed at Maake Police Station. He said his passion for sports was developed when he was still a learner at DZJ Mtebule Secondary School.
“I played cricket and basketball but I soon realised team sports were not for me. My former teacher, Edward Mondlane, who is also a former champion athlete, told me to try long jump. I fell in love with the sport and have never looked back,” said Shabangu, who holds a diploma in sports management.
His career highlights in sport include setting a new long jump record during the bi-annual Southern Africa Regional Police Chiefs Co-operation Organisations Games (SARPCCO) in Namibia in 2013, and winning a silver medal during the next tournament in Swaziland in 2015.
After winning a gold medal at the SAPS National Championship games at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in 2013, and being named the provincial sports star of the year in 2016, he was awarded the sportsman of the year award at the start of this year.
“I train myself because I don’t have a coach. When I am off-duty I spend every day practising at the stadium. I believe in hard work, dedication and discipline. I also love my job as a policeman because it gives me the opportunity to make our country a better and safer place,” he said.
When giving his budget speech on Africa Day, Greater Tzaneen Mayor, Maripe Mangena, paid tribute to Shabangu’s sporting achievements, and Tzaneen Cluster Commander, Maj Genl Maggy Mathebula, described him as a disciplined police officer.
“I’m not surprised by his sporting achievements as he is very disciplined. He is also able to manage his work and sporting career and trains himself for competitions. We are proud of his achievements because he is raising our flag,” she said.
Shabangu is looking for sponsorship for his athletic club to help him prepare for this year’s SARPCCO games. Anyone interested in helping him can contact him at 078 260 7753.
