SAPS Education Trust: A lifeline for children of police officers who died in service

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has shone the spotlight on the South African Police Service Education Trust (SAPSET), after he asked for the money donated to buy him cows to be put in the fund.

Mkhwanazi also appealed to those who can donate to the fund to please do so.  

SAPSET was established in 2010 after the need was identified to provide financial assistance to the children of SAPS employees who lost their lives in service to the nation, by financing the costs of their educational needs.

The trust has benefited over 1,700 children since its establishment.

Resource support and financial assistance entail a discretionary payment by the trust on behalf of a child or children to an institution recognised, approved, and accredited by the Department of Basic Education or the Department of Higher Education and Training.

Speaking via video, Mkhwanazi thanked X user, Chris Excel, for the initiative to raise funds for him to buy cows. He appreciated the gesture and the thoughts of goodwill behind the idea of contributing money. 

The BackaBuddy campaign to buy Mkhwanazi two cows successfully surpassed its initial goal of R35,000, ultimately raising R44,074.

“I’m a civil servant, and the public already thanks me enough through the salary that I receive every month. It is their taxes that compensate us as public servants, and I'm privileged to have been one of those chosen few to serve and protect the people of South Africa through my role as a police officer,” Mkhwanazi said. 

“I therefore would like to ask Chris Excel and those who donated the money to please deposit the money into the South African Police Service Education Trust.” 

The trust pays for the educational needs of the children of SAPS members who died in the line of duty.

“Every year, we gather at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where we commemorate the members who died in the line of duty,” Mkhwanazi said. 

“A majority of these members died at a very young age and in the very junior ranks. And therefore, they have not contributed that much in terms of their pension, leaving behind the children who need support from us.” 

He said an independent board of trustees runs the fund, headed by Chairman Vuyani Jarana.

Mkhwanazi said that if Chris and all donors agree with the proposal, the money should then be deposited into the following account: 

“I’m making a call to everyone who may be able to donate any amount of money to the SAPS Education Trust fund to do so for the noble cause of maintaining dignity and securing the future of children of police officers who get brutally killed while saving and protecting innocent South Africans,” Mkhwanazi said. 

In some of the testimonies, Pheladi Grace Mphahlele, daughter of the late Warrant Officer Mr KG Mphahlele, wrote a letter expressing appreciation for being assisted with funds to help with her tuition fees. 

“I also ask for your financial assistance again this year towards my tuition fees as I am currently studying at the Management College of South Africa (Mancosa), studying for a Bachelor of Business Administration. I would really appreciate it,” Mphahlele said. 

Amukelani Rivombo said the support helped fulfil a lifelong dream of becoming a civil engineer. 

“Without donors like you, many students would be unable to pursue the career of their dreams. I have since managed to complete the theory part of my studies with the help of the trust fund. My plan at this stage is to do in-service training in order to complete my studies. Thanks to generous organisations such as yours, my dream is now within my reach,” Rivombo said. 

[email protected]