Deputy National Head:  Lt Gen Matakata
Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner for the SAPS, Lt Gen Shivuri
Advocate Mdlalose of the National Prosecuting Authority
Cluster and Station Commanders of the South African Police Services
Members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation
Honourable guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

It is truly an honour and a privilege to have an opportunity to grace such an august occasion and be afforded an opportunity to address members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation on their special day. 

Tonight, is indeed a night of note and simply because tonight is a night that recognises men and women of substance and whose bravery is for the betterment of society. 

This grand evening goes beyond the majestic garments worn with perfection so, please allow me to say: you look spectacular tonight.  I honestly could have not chosen a better way to spend my evening, than to recognise excellence in the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation through the Prestige Awards.

Ladies and Gentlemen, recognition in the workforce is critical as it boosts staff morale and encourages hard work but moreover, it a small token of appreciation to recognise dedication and service with excellence shown by the workforce.  I can not think of a more deserving audience to be recognised than you.   

Allow me to take this moment to honour you, to recognise you, to appreciate your hard work and the sacrifices you make daily in the effort of the improvement of society.  I always say, it is better to recognise and appreciate someone while they are still alive then to sing their praises when they are no longer here.  Tonight is all about you.  I recognise the sacrifices you make daily and to me, you are the perfect picture of true bravery and selfless serving.   You have put the country first to ensure you combat crime at its highest level, and that alone speaks volumes about the men and women gathered here tonight. 

Programme Director, I am certain the journey to get to this day has not been without trials but may it not take away from penning the milestone of each and every one here tonight and those who could not be with us tonight.  Let me also take this opportunity to say, my heart and sympathies goes out to the loved ones and colleagues of those we have lost in the line of duty, and they too, are recongised tonight, for they also contributed to the collective success of what has been achieved by the Directorate.

Ladies and gentlemen, a journey without trials and hardships is easily forgotten but one can appreciate any milestone more especially when that milestone is ridding our society of criminal elements, creating a safer communities and a corruption-free society for all.

Allow me to recognise the mammoth task that has been bestowed upon your shoulders as you risk your lives and sacrifice time with your loved ones to ensure that justice triumphs.  For that, I take my hat off to you. 

You are the dedicated combatants that are responsible for the combating, investigating and the prevention of national priority crimes.  You are the faces that take on serious organized crime, serious commercial crime and serious corruption in the country.  Yet we should also not fail to see that you are parents, sons and daughters, family men and women and most importantly, members of society - who have made a mark in restoring order and peace in the country, and for that we remain eternally grateful and are proud of the hard work you do. 

Ladies and gentlemen, today is your night and we say thank you for your dedicated service and for all your sacrifices.  May you not turn a blind eye to any wrongdoing but continue to uphold the law and keep each other accountable as colleagues to ensure that you do not compromise the quality of your collective assignments. 

There is a quote that I appreciate for its simplicity in words but power in its essence used by the late statesman, Tata Nelson Mandela and it says: 

 “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again”.

Ladies and gentlemen, perhaps there may have been times when many of you wanted to give up but you did not, where things did not go as planned and you lost hope or circumstances you believed justice did not prevail.   Tonight I want to remind you that, all your efforts were not in vain.  Each and every step you took and each and every attempt you made was a building block and may you see it as a stepping stone bringing you closer to achieving greater heights.

Honoured guests, your determination and hard work, is at the pinnacle of the success of this Directorate and without the collective efforts, the successes of this organisation would be non-existent.  It is after all, the efforts of each and every person, whether ascending the platform or not, that continues to make strides and deliver success in our communities. 

It may seem like an easy task to put words to paper in honouring the dedication of your work and bravery for the work you do but it is not, and thank you that once again as society and leaders in our communities we assemble here to appreciate you. 

I must indicate, that I do not for a second take your work for granted.  The field you are in requires integrity, honesty and bravery beyond the norm.  You are tasked with the looking after an entire country and for that we remain eternally grateful. 

As I conclude, may you continue to serve with excellence and root out corruption and rid our communities of criminality.  May you never get weary in doing good because as the word of God says, in due time, you will reap.  And with those few words, I thank you.