South African women are proving beyond doubt that leadership has nothing to do with gender or being the weaker sex.

The government has also introduced women empowerment policies in the workplace and many institutions have already assisted hardworking women to assume leadership roles with pride and integrity. The South African Police Services (SAPS) did not want to be a spectator in this regard and their policy on women empowerment is paying off.

One such shining example of women empowerment is the newly appointed Makuya SAPS Station Commissioner, Capt Hangwani Khabubu (43). Makuya SAPS serves 27 villages in the far northern part of Limpopo. “Gone are the days when women were regarded as ‘office flowers’ whose roles were only limited to handy people. We must grasp the opportunities with both hands and face the challenges to ensure that we achieve our goals with ease. We must take the bull by its horns and forget about the fear of the unknown. We are now proving that we are fully operational and we will never fail because as leaders, we know what is expected of us. The recipe for success is hard work, dedication, time management and good relationship with co-workers. Leadership goes hand in hand with responsibility, consultation and motivation.”

Although some may be hearing her name for the first time, it has been a long and winding road for Khabubu to get where she is today. “I joined the SAPS in June 1988 shortly after I matriculated at Mudaswali High School the previous year. After my six months’ training, I was deployed to the Thohoyandou Community Service Centre where I worked at the Relief and Administration Sections, until I joined the Siloam SAPS in 1991.”

One other thing that most of the people do not know about Khabubu is that she is a keen musician. “In 1993, I joined the Sibasa Band Section where I was a clarinet player, but in 1995 I joined the Crime Prevention Section’s Administrative Division until 2003, when I joined the Vhembe Area Management Services. I worked for several divisions, because I was thirsty for knowledge until my recent appointment on July 1 this year.”

During her 18 years’ unbroken service with the SAPS, Khabubu has equipped herself with work-related knowledge and skills which are the pillars of her success. She holds certificates in Project Management, Community Policing, Workplace Diversity, Secretarial, Computer Literacy, Performance Charts, and the Station Commissioner’ Course, to name but a few.

Khabubu says it would have been impossible for her to achieve all her objectives without the assistance of co-workers whom she regards as her pillars. “My deepest gratitude goes to Provincial Commissioner Calvin Sengani, Area Commissioner Joseph Maepa, Director Ngobeni and the entire Management of Vhembe Area Office. More importantly, I will never forget the support from Lecton, my husband, who has been always by my side through thick and thin.”