Bongani Eric Siyona is a dedicated Warrant Officer at the KwaZakhele Police Station in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape. To him, integrity means upholding the rule of law outlined in the South African constitution and being transparent in all he does. “I chose this profession because I wanted to serve the community with integrity so that people can trust in us as a public service. I want to transform people’s mindsets about us as the South African police service,” he says.
He continues to embed the “Batho Pele” (People First) principles in his work, implementing inclusive policies and ensuring that young police officers are supported to uphold values of integrity. In his work with young people in the Zwide area, he established a partnership with local stakeholders, forming Kwazakhele Social Crime Prevention. He has also assisted young people with acquiring their learner’s and driver’s licenses. Officer Siyona also works closely with a nonprofit organization, Ubuntu, which has donated 200 food parcels to patrollers in the area.