SAPS Women Lead Charge in Operation Basadi: Empowering Communities for a Safer Festive Season in Tembisa and Sterkspruit
Tembisa – Women in the South African Police Service have taken a front seat in the fight against crime, rolling out Operation Basadi to teach and protect communities as the busy festive time nears. This special drive, which means “women” in many local tongues, mixes hands-on work with talks to help people stay safe. On Sunday, 17 November 2025, in Tembisa, Gauteng, policewomen teamed up with other groups for an awareness day that drew big crowds. Earlier, on Friday, 7 November 2025, a similar push happened in Sterkspruit, Eastern Cape, showing how this plan is spreading across the country to tackle tough issues like gender-based violence and drug use.
These events are part of the bigger Safer Festive Season plan, where more people on the move can mean more risks. By getting communities involved now, police hope to cut down on problems before they start, making the holidays happier for everyone.
Tembisa Awareness Campaign Draws Strong Community Support
In Tembisa’s bustling streets, women from different SAPS units joined forces with law enforcement partners, the Community Police Forum, Youth Crime Prevention Committee, Spiritual Crime Prevention group, and the Women’s Network. Together, they held talks on big worries like gender-based violence and femicide, drug and alcohol abuse, and teenage pregnancy. “This initiative combines operational and proactive measures aimed at protecting, serving, educating, and empowering communities to stay safe throughout the festive season,” police explained.
Lots of locals came out to join, showing how much people want to learn and work together. Helpers shared tips on spotting dangers and getting help fast, giving out info that could save lives. After the main event, teams went door-to-door, handing out pamphlets and listening to what folks had to say. They noted down real problems like high rates of violence against women, drug issues, poverty, and even cases where old people’s grant money gets taken by family or loan sharks.
All these concerns got sent to the right government offices for quick help. This hands-on way shows Operation Basadi is not just talk – it is about fixing things on the ground and building trust between police and people.
Sterkspruit Operation Focuses on Road Safety and Outreach
Earlier in the month, Operation Basadi hit Sterkspruit town in the Eastern Cape’s Joe Gqabi District. The day started with a roadblock on the R26 road, where police checked cars and talked to drivers about staying safe. From there, teams moved to the local mall and taxi rank, chatting with shoppers and commuters about crime tips and how to report issues.
Joe Gqabi District Commissioner Major General Lindelwa Vellem thanked everyone involved, saying the work goes beyond just catching bad guys. “We want our communities to know that the SAPS is here – ready, present, and committed. We call on our communities to take our hand and stand with us as we work together to ensure a safe and secure Festive Season,” she said.
Vellem stressed that Operation Basadi builds strong ties with locals, making sure police and people team up against crime. This approach helps in rural spots like Sterkspruit, where far-flung areas can make quick help hard, but community watch groups fill the gaps.
How Operation Basadi Fits into Bigger Safety Plans
Operation Basadi is a women-led push within the wider Operation Shanela, which runs high-impact crime sweeps every week. Launched in August 2025, it puts women officers in charge to show their strength in keeping peace. By mixing roadblocks, talks, and home visits, it aims to stop crimes before they happen, especially during holidays when theft, fights, and accidents go up.
The plan also links to the fight against gender-based violence, a big problem in South Africa. By teaching about abuse and drugs, it helps young people stay out of trouble and builds safer homes. In places like Tembisa and Sterkspruit, where poverty and joblessness add to risks, these steps give people tools to protect themselves and their families.
Police say getting communities on board is key. Groups like the Community Police Forum and youth committees help spread the word, making sure messages reach everyone, from kids to elders.
Community Voices and Lasting Impact
In Tembisa, residents shared how the day opened their eyes to dangers and ways to get help. One local said the talks on teenage pregnancy hit home, giving parents ideas on how to guide their kids. In Sterkspruit, drivers at the roadblock thanked officers for the safety tips, saying it makes them feel looked after.
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