Pretoria: The South African Police Service (SAPS) is proud to announce that one of its spokespersons, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, was recognized as the overall winner in the 2024 Spokesperson of the Year category at the National Press Club Awards held in Pretoria. This annual event highlights remarkable achievements in journalism and communication.

According to South African Police Service, Brigadier Mathe was honored for her consistent commitment to delivering accurate, timely, and responsible communication. She has been instrumental in enhancing the image of the SAPS by ensuring public and media access to factual and relevant information throughout the year.

The year 2024 presented numerous challenges, with Brigadier Mathe leading communications for significant national events such as the National and Provincial Elections (NPE2024), the Presidential Inauguration, the Opening of Parliament, and the illegal mining incident in Stilfontein. Throughout these events, she ensured that the SAPS maintained a positive media presence, detailing safety and security measures during internationally significant events.

Brigadier Mathe expressed her gratitude, stating, ‘With utmost humility and respect, I dedicate this award to all the men and women in blue who risk their lives daily to serve and protect the people of South Africa.’

The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, congratulated Brigadier Mathe on her achievement, praising her professionalism, hard work, and dedication to the SAPS.