Northern Cape's Top Cop Elevates New District Commissioners in Upington

In a significant step for women's representation in law enforcement, the Northern Cape heralded Women's Month with the promotion of two senior managers to the rank of Major General within the South African Police Service (SAPS). The esteemed Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, alongside Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, conferred the esteemed ranks to Major Generals Charlotte Makgari and Monica Sebili.

The ceremonial event took place in Upington on Wednesday, the 7th of August, 2024, marking a milestone for SAPS and the ongoing transformation within the ranks of South Africa's police force. Positioned to lead the Frances Baard and ZF Mgcawu districts respectively, these accomplished officers have risen through the SAPS ranks, each with a storied career and a wealth of experience in various aspects of policing.

Major General Charlotte Makgari's roots trace back to Kimberley, where she embarked on her police career back in 1994. Her journey within SAPS saw her stationed at Galeshewe police station, with her roles spanning across Visible Policing (Vispol) and the Detectives division. Her leadership qualities were evident as she took charge as the Station Commander for Kimberley and Galeshewe police stations before steadily ascending to her recent appointment on August 1, 2024, as the District Commissioner for Frances Baard.

Her educational background is as notable as her career path, boasting a B-Tech in Policing, supplemented by numerous management courses which served to hone her capabilities in executive policing roles.

Maj General Monica Sebili's SAPS tenure also commenced in 1994, and her managerial dexterity has been showcased in several key capacities. As an academic achiever, she procured a Masters in Development and Management and supplemented her education with Advanced and National Diplomas in management and public management. Her resume within SAPS has been diverse, from leading the ORS as Provincial Head to establishing operational standards in Public Order Policing, Border Policing, and the Air Wing.

Sebili's experience transcends national borders, with a pivotal role representing SAPS in South Sudan. As a Field Office Police Coordinator, she displayed exceptional leadership in managing international police collaborations.

Both these exemplary leaders accepted their roles as Acting District Commissioners and with their appointments officially conferred, they step into an era marked by additional responsibilities and leadership demands – a testament to their immense capabilities and the trust bestowed upon them by SAPS' higher echelons.

Major General Makgari and Major General Sebili's promotions echo the sentiment that the SAPS values excellence, commitment, and strategic leadership within its ranks, especially from women who continue to break barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.