Secretary for Police Service
Mr. Smike Thulani Sibuyi
"VISIBILITY OF OVERSIGHT CRUCIAL IN ENHANCING OUR ROLE IN THE COMMUNITIES": SECRETARY FOR POLICE SERVICE
My professional journey commenced in 2005 when I was admitted as an Attorney. I consider myself to be a problemsolver, and so immediately, I decided to join the Public Service to make my contribution where it was most needed. I joined the Department of Transport and Community Safety in KwaZulu Natal Province from 2005 to 2011 as a dedicated PublicTransport Registrar. This role allowed me to be at the heart of Public Transport Regulation.
CHALLENGES WITHIN THE KWAZULU - NATAL DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT
Despite the peak of taxi violence during my tenure as the Transport Registrar, we embarked on a long, intensive journey of industry transformation. With the support of the then and the MEC of KZN, we were able to achieve significant wins. While taxi violence still exists in the province, we managed to reduce it considerably; a testament to our resilience and determination to transform this critical sector.
PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
During my tenure, we instilled an understanding that South Africa is a country governed by laws, and the rule of law is paramount in our operations. We collaborated with structures such as SANTACO, developed a White Paper on Public Transport, and we also compiled provincial transport master plans. We also initiated transformation in the Industry, combating corruption and changing the way the Industry operated. While there's still work to be done, the commitment to this cause remains unwavering and continues to inspire those who have taken up the baton.
HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT: COMMUNITY SAFETY AND LIAISON 2011-2013
I was appointed Head of Department of Community Safety Transport and Liaison in Mpumalanga from 2011 to 2013.
CHALLENGES WITHIN MPUMALANGA COMMUNITY SAFETY
It was a different ball game when I joined the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison in Mpumalanga as Head of Department. The biggest achievement during that period was dealing with significant corruption within the licensing system and trying to make it efficient and effective.
Amongst the notable achievements attained, was my instrumental role in the conceptualization and realization of the Traffic Department College, which used by other provinces. As a Head of Department, I found that the morale of the Traffic Law Enforcement was at an all-time low, and we revolutionalised that. In addition, we were able to revolutionise road safety through rigorous road safety campaigns.
2016-2024: STATE SECURITY AGENCY
After occupying the HOD position in Mpumalanga, I joined the State Security Agency as a Legal advisor to the Minister in 2016. I was then promoted to Deputy Director-General in the Intelligence Council on Conditions of Service within the same Department, from 2017 until March 2024.
2024 MARCH TO DATE: CIVILIAN SECRETARIAT FOR POLICE SERVICE
In March 2024, I joined the Department of Civilian Secretariat for Police Service as the Secretary for Police Service (Director-General).
CHALLENGES WITHIN THE CSPS BROADLY
The biggest challenge I have found within the organisation is the Department's lack of visibility in our communities. Fortunately, I came when community engagements were heightened, towards the end of the financial year. I had an opportunity to reflect on what we can do as a Department to be visible in our communities. I had a chance to interact with communities and realised that many are unfamiliar with our Department and must be made aware of our mandate. Given our constitutional and legislative role, we should be visible in our communities. This challenge is compounded by the Department's inadequate structural and financial resources. As much as we need to be seen out there, we must first get the Department to be a well-oiled machine, both financially and structurally. That would allow us to execute our mandate effectively. Furthermore, the Department needs financial remodeling, which is something that we are already working on.
GOVERNANCE CHALLENGES
The Department faces professional and ethical challenges that require a culture shift, underpinned by theory of change. Currently, we are engaging the Public Service Commission to kick-start discussions around issues of professionalism and culture change within the organisation. The Department is fortunate to have staff to execute the mandate, however, what is needed most is a shift in mindset.
DIRECTOR-GENERAL'S VISION FOR THE DEPARTMENT
My vision for the Department in the foreseeable future? To answer the question: “what kind of policing do we want in our country in the coming years?” This Department is at the centre of strategic thinking; and we need to be able, through our thinking, to provide relevant advice to the Minister of Police and thus contribute to the transformation of the police service. If we start there, we will move in the right direction. This Department must be a centre of crime prevention and effective policing, and I am committed to leading us there, with the active participation and support of Team CSPS in its entirety.
ON LEADERSHIP STYLE
I believe in, and promote an inclusive approach at all times. I am a democratic leader who believes in leading a team that has a say in decision-making. My view is that the people you are leading should be free to engage you without fear or hesitation. I always make sure that I consult my team without compromising any decision-making processes. As a democratic leader, I encourage healthy dialogue in the spirit of mutual respect and professionalism. In addition, I believe in an open-door policy, and if any of the staff members have any ideas that will contribute to the betterment of the Department, you are more than welcome to engage with me.
DIRECTOR - GENERAL'S ENVISAGED LEGACY FOR THE DEPARTMENT
My envisaged legacy for this Department is to leave it as a fully functional, effective and efficient oversight body, that is also a centre of excellence. I am committed to promoting professionalism and ensuring the Department is sufficiently capacitated to develop and implement policies. My focus is also on increasing our visibility and reach in our communities. Once that is done, I will consider my mark to have been sufficiently made.
WORDS OF MOTIVATION TO STAFF
This Department is full of capable men and women who understand their roles. Our collective potential can be unlocked through proper interventions. Let me encourage the staff not to despair amidst the challenges we face as a Department; we will get there. Where we critique each other in the context of the work, let's do so in humility and with respect.
I also want us to see ourselves as a significant contributor to our country's economy. By holding the Police accountable and ensuring they execute their mandate of eradicating crime, we are not only contributing to a safer society, but we are actively creating an environment conducive to economic growth. A country plagued by crime will not flourish economically and will discourage those interested in investing. Therefore, our work is crucial in attracting investors and boosting our country's economy.
THOUGHTS ON THE RELEVANCE OF MANDELA DAY: 18 JULY
Mandela Day will always be relevant to us and the generations to come. Madiba’s relevance is rooted in what he stood for during his mortal journey, and his legacy should be eternal. Above all, Madiba had a good heart for the children and his actions were consistently geared toward facilitating unity and social cohesion. We consider him as the father of our democracy, and as our democracy matures, we must also evolve to embrace his legacy.
My message to the staff is to encourage them to embody hearts of servanthood. On the 18th of July, everyone should go out and contribute to their communities. It doesn't matter the magnitude of your service; do something. In closing, the evidence that this day still holds weight and is relevant lies in the fact that this year, His Excellency Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa has decided to present his first State of the National Address on Mandela Day.
"My hope for the CSPS is to enhance visibility in our communities, ensure that our oversight mandate is understood, and that we make a tangible impact on the ground"
Thulani Sibuyi, Director-General