The power of partnering

The Denel Centre for Learning and Development (DCLD) continues to enhance the lives of South African learners who are from under-resourced schools in different parts or the country.

The DCLD has already formed a firm partnership with the Department of Defence (DoD) and together have managed to empower many young people, and is turning a future that was once bleak bright.

To continue this cycle, the DCLD joined forces with the South African Police Service (SAPS). The main objectives of this partnership will be to:

• introduce new recruits to the SAPS culture,
• develop leadership skills which include communication, decision making and negotiation and promote team work,
• develop a sense of patriotism and integrity, and
• teach trainees study skills.

Both partners are committed to provide training that is equivalent to the best found anywhere in the world. Hie culmination of this new partnership between the DCLD and the SAPS was a dynamic and unique Pilot Induction Programme for entry-level SAPS recruits to orientate them before their basic training starts. In January 2009 the first group of recruits was introduced into a two-week camp Programme, which was held at the premises of the School of Artillery, Potchefstroom in the North-West Province.

The Pilot Induction Programme focused on developing life skills, e.g. enhance selfawareness, discipline, and respect, as well as instilling a sense of patriotism. Striving towards a high quality service, introducing the various career opportunities within the SAPS as well as the protocol, ethics and the aim of a police force free of corruption, formed an integral part of the Programme.

Ifie SAPS should be the employer of choice and the pride of all South Africans and the hope is that this Programme would bring them a step closer to that goal. The camp took place from the 11 th to the 24th January, with the passing - out parade held on the 24th January. The parade was attended by commissioners from the SAPS, generals from the SANDF and the O C of the School of Artillery, Col Schoonwinkel.

It was a proud day for the DCLD, the SAPS and the 216 recruits dressed in their blue and yellow tracksuits. Dr Eric Khoza, Divisional Commissioner G.J Kruser and Director Mphenyeke addressed the parade. They expressed their pride and joy in the progress made by the recruits and relayed their hope that the recruits would build their furure on the initial training they received at the camp. Div.

Comm. Kruser spoke of change, visions and dreams. He said that anyone is able to have visions, but the real challenge comes when you implement those visions. He expressed the hope that the recruits would take the positive energy they displayed at the parade with them when they become active members of the SAPS.

When Assistant Commissioner S. Nyalungu was asked about the Pilot Induction Programme, he said it was obvious how motivated the recruits were and they seemed ready to take on the challenging task. At present, this partnership is still at the foundation phase and it depends on how the recruits perform during their training.

Nyalungu explained that the basic training at the College lasts six months followed by another six months in the field. During the six months of basic training the recruits who were part of the Pilot Induction Programme will be monitored and once they are placed in the field their careers will be followed. Once they have gone through the whole process, the effect of the Pilot Induction Programme can be determined.

At the end of the ceremony the learners signed a pledge. Contained in the pledge were values the recruits selected to live by in their every day lives as well as to guide them through out their careers in the SAPS. The values:

• Respect
• Discipline
• Teamwork
• Responsibility
• A positive attitude

With the time, money and energy that have been invested into this project, the hope is that the return on the investment will be high. If you would like contact the Denel Centre for Learning and Development.