SAPS Mxenge Women’s Network Celebrates Strength, Sisterhood and Service

Photo Credit: South African Police Service via Facebook

When women stand together, they build an unbreakable network of support that elevates everyone around them. The SAPS Mxenge Women’s Network vividly displayed this spirit as they recently celebrated the courage, resilience, and unity of our brave women in blue.

East London, South Africa (18 August 2026) – We often see them patrolling streets, keeping neighbourhoods safe, supporting communities and braving some of the toughest situations to fight crime: the women in blue, with hearts to serve and protect.

Most of us may never fully comprehend what goes through the mind, or shapes the life, of a woman who has taken on the commitment to serve as a police officer. That is why organisations like the SAPS Mxenge Women’s Network exist: to support women in uniform through the many demands and pressures that come with the job.

On Friday, 14 August 2026, the Mxenge Women’s Network hosted a transformative gathering under the theme “My sister’s keeper” at the East London Golf Club in KuGompo, bringing together leaders and women from all walks of life.

Photo Credit: South African Police Service via Facebook

The gathering opened with a Bible scripture reading and prayer by Mrs Bilie, beautifully setting the tone and mood for the occasion.

The chairperson of the Mxenge Network, Constable Vani, welcomed all delegates to the event and reminded them that the Network was born out of the courage and dedication of women in uniform and public service.

Vani emphasised that the gathering served as an operational platform to build mentorship programmes, strategic collaborations and sustainable support structures that safeguard women in service against gender discrimination.

The event sent a clear message: strength is found when women stand together. Addressing the attendees, Captain Genqese further emphasised that celebrating strength must be paired with action through intentional mentorship, strategic collaboration and the creation of sustainable support structures that empower women to thrive in every sphere of service.

Educating the crowd on issues of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), Colonel Mahlelehlele urged women to break the silence surrounding abuse, noting that being “your sister’s keeper” requires active vigilance, immediate reporting and strong support for victims.

Mahlelehlele also used the opportunity to highlight the specialised victim support structures and response protocols available within the SAPS, reminding the room that eradicating gender-based violence requires a united front across law enforcement, corporate partners and civil society at large.

As a symbol of celebrating “choosing yourself” despite any circumstances, attendees were given a platform to share personal experiences, not to reopen old wounds but for the purpose of healing, breaking stigma and inspiring collective strength. By voicing their journeys, delegates demonstrated that vulnerability can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth, mutual support and overcoming adversity.

Delivering an inspiring keynote address, guest speaker Ms Z Jundu shared profound words on healing, sisterly unity and mutual protection. Drawing from her own life’s journey, she encouraged attendees to remember that, regardless of their circumstances, hope and opportunity are always within reach.

The Mxenge Women’s Network exists in the spirit of Victoria Mxenge – a beacon of justice, resilience and unwavering principle – and serves as a reminder to SAPS women that when women gather, support one another and lead with purpose, entire communities are elevated.

Friday’s gathering was not just about celebration; it was about recommitting themselves to the work of empowerment, justice and progress.

In the closing address, Colonel Sofuthe extended her sincere gratitude to the participating speakers and urged attendees to turn the day’s insights into action, saying that the energy and stories shared in the room were not meant to stay within those four walls. They are fuel for whatever comes next.