The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Potchefstroom and the North-West University (NWU) recently bid farewell to Brigadier Steven Moodley, the station commander of the Potchefstroom SAPS. The residents of Potchefstroom will forever have a special place in their hearts for a remarkable leader with a love of management.
Brigadier Steven Moodley was appointed as station commander of the Potchefstroom SAPS in 2017, and his leadership characteristics induced him to establish the Higher Education Safety Forum in Potchefstroom. This initiative aims to mitigate any threat in the post-school sector.
In the meantime, the NWU had established the City Improvement District (CID). Brigadier Steven Moodley supported the CID by assigning several police officers to monitor and patrol the NWU residences. As a result of the parties’ close working relationship, the NWU emerged as the safest tertiary-education institution in the country, and Brigadier Moodley’s influence will undoubtedly continue after his departure.
Potchefstroom SAPS coworkers and NWU delegates gathered at the NWU Sports Village on Saturday, 13 April to honour Brigadier Moodley's 41 years of outstanding community and public service.
Prof Daryl Balia, the deputy vice-chancellor for Information Technology and Campus Operations (Potchefstroom Campus), welcomed all the esteemed guests and explained his personal relationship with Brigadier Steven Moodley.
During his farewell speech, Brigadier Moodley reflected on his 41 years spent at the SAPS.
“I am grateful for the memories, experiences and lessons that have shaped me into the person I am today. When I joined the SAPS in 1982, I never imagined that I would spend my entire career dedicated to serving and protecting my community,” he said.
Brigadier Moodley continued to reminisce about working alongside some of the most devoted and selfless individuals.
“From my fellow officers to support staff, each person has played a crucial role in fulfilling the SAPS mission of upholding the law and protecting our citizens. Together, we formed unbreakable bonds that will stay with me even as I bid farewell.” He added: “I am confident that the future of the SAPS is in good hands with these bright and devoted individuals. With the commitment of my colleagues and the continuous support of our communities, I believe that we can create a safer and more peaceful society for all.”
Brigadier Moodley said his message marked the end of his time as an active member of the SAPS, but it was not the end of his resolve to serve his community.
“I will continue to support and advocate for the advancement of our police force, and contribute to building a safer and more just society. Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts – it has been an honour and a privilege,” Brigadier Moodley concluded his sincere speech.
“I approach this evening with mixed emotions,” said Major-General Ryno Naidoo, the deputy provincial commissioner of North West, as he prepared to deliver his address.
“As a community activist, it is not only in the community policing forums that Brigadier Moodley has displayed his personal brand of activism, but he has done so in many other community formations too. He is a visionary who makes his visions become a reality; an innovator, mover and shaker – the SAPS Potchefstroom has never seen anything like it. To the NWU, thank you for the occasion, it is indicative of the relationship between the university and the police. My hope is that the relationship will sustain itself – beyond us into the future generations of management who need to maintain the standard of service delivery,” added Major-General Naidoo.
Dr Corrie Rheeder, Potchefstroom Campus director of Student Life, delivered the vote of thanks. She said: “As a former, proud member of the SAPS, and on behalf of the NWU, I would like to express our deepest appreciation to Brigadier Steven Moodley for his dedicated service and commitment to excellence. Your contributions have been invaluable, and your impact will resonate with us for years to come. Go well, you will be greatly missed.”
A toast to 41 great years of public service. The NWU extends its respect to Brigadier Steven Moodley, and wishes him a wonderful journey ahead.
The NWU’s director of Protection Services, Mr Des Ayob, sent a heartfelt message to his lifelong friend, Brigadier Steven Moodley.
Dr Corrie Rheeder, director of Student Life at the NWU Potchefstroom Campus, expressed her deepest gratitude to Brigadier Moodley for his exceptional contributions towards making the NWU a safe place.
Major-General Ryno Naidoo, the deputy provincial commissioner for the South African Police Service (SAPS) for North West.
During his speech, Prof Daryl Balia, deputy vice-chancellor for Information Technology and Campus Operations (Potchefstroom Campus), thanked Brigadier Moodley for his contributions to making the NWU the safest tertiary-education institution in the country.
