Farewell to Lieutenant-Colonel Theresa Pillay, Msinsini Saps Station Commander
In 1982, Lt-Col Pillay became one of the first Indian women to be stationed at the Umzinto Police Station.
It was an emotional day for the Msinsini SAPS station commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Theresa Pillay, who held her retirement function at the Umthunzi Hotel and Conference Centre in Umtentweni recently.
Guests at the function included the Ugu Cluster commander, Major-General Sethenya Agnes Nxamagele, who delivered an ’emotion-packed keynote address’, as well as police officials and members from the cluster commander’s office and various other police stations and units within the cluster.
The Scottburgh Saps station commander, Colonel Ralph Ruiters, was the programme director and introduced all speakers for the day. Port Shepstone Vispol commander, Colonel Praga Naicker, welcomed the guests and offered the opening prayer.
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: Farewell to Colonel Naicker of Scottburgh SAPS
“A tear-jerking ‘down memory lane’ slideshow was presented, depicting Lt-Col Pillay’s life since a little baby, her early days in the police until her remarkable transformation from a shy young woman into a confident and assertive senior police officer in the Saps,” said Scottburgh Saps communications officer, Captain Vincent Pandarum.
In 1982, Lt-Col Pillay became one of the first Indian women to be stationed at the Umzinto Police Station. With her hard work and dedication, she became the first woman station commander there, with the rank of superintendent, on January 1, 2000.
In May 2009, she took on the position as the station commander at the Msinsini Police Station, which she held until her retirement.
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: Bitter-sweet goodbyes for Scottburgh Saps officers
Lt-Col Pillay also played a great role as the Ugu Cluster Women’s Network champion. Under her leadership over the years, the network excelled in various competitions at provincial and national levels and, most importantly, empowered the women in the Ugu Cluster.
“During her farewell speech, Lt-Col Pillay expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the Saps for 36 wonderful, enriching and memorable years of employment and motivated her colleagues to be loyal and dedicated to the service. She let slip for a second and allowed her emotions to get the better of her, but quickly regained her composure to complete her address and bid farewell to her Saps family,” said Captain Pandarum.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033
