Nongqai Vol 17 no 3B
Keywords
Warrant Officer Sipho George Ngcamu,
South African Police,
Plessislaer,
Leadership,
Integrity,
community trust,
policing challenges,
Apartheid transition,
resource shortages,
motivation,
Ezekiel 37,
police-community relations,
KwaZulu-Natal.
Abstract
This account reflects on the life and service of Warrant Officer Sipho George Ngcamu, a dedicated member of the South African Police who served with integrity and commitment during a difficult period in the country’s history. Born in Kranskop, KwaZulu-Natal, in 1955, Ngcamu joined the police in 1979 and spent much of his career serving in Pietermaritzburg, including at the challenging Plessislaer station.
The narrative highlights the harsh realities faced by police officers in the early 1990s, including limited resources, staff shortages, and dangerous working conditions. Many officers felt discouraged and unsafe, while mistrust between the police and the community remained strong due to the legacy of Apartheid. In this environment, meaningful change required more than authority; it needed trust, honesty, and strong relationships.
Ngcamu stood out as a man of discipline and integrity, particularly in his role managing exhibits, where accuracy and honesty were essential. His reliability earned him the respect of both colleagues and the community. Recognised as a natural leader, he became a vital link between the police and the public, helping to rebuild trust and inspire hope within the station.
The abstract also reflects on the importance of leadership and vision in times of difficulty. Drawing inspiration from the biblical passage of Ezekiel 37, the station’s situation is compared to a “valley of dry bones”, symbolising despair but also the possibility of renewal. Through commitment, teamwork, and individuals like Ngcamu, progress became possible.
Overall, this piece honours Ngcamu’s contribution and reinforces the idea that a nation must remember and value those who serve with courage and integrity, as their efforts shape both institutions and communities.
SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE
WARRANT OFFICER SIPHO GEORGE NGACMU
A MAN AFTER THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY OF SOUTH AFRICA
Warrant Officer SG Ngcamu
THIS IS ONLY THE SECOND SPECIAL EDITION COMPILED IN RESPECT OF OUR AFRICAN COLLEAGUES. THE FIRST WAS CONSTABLE UMDISA COMPILED BY EDITOR IN CHIEF, BRIGADIER HENNIE HEYMANS
Authored, researched, compiled, edited, and submitted for publication by Logan Govender [LG], drawing on information provided by his Daughter Ms Phumlile Ngcamu, as well as various sources, police personnel, and other contributors.
[LG]
“The Nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten” – Calvin Coolidge
Warrant Officer Sipho George Ngcamu was born in Kranskop, KwaZulu-Natal on 22nd October 1955. He joined the South African Police on 9th April 1979 at Alexandra Road, Pietermaritzburg. His basic police training took place at the SA Police, Training College in Hammanskraal (now SA Police, Training College, Hammanskraal. – [LG]). After completing his basic training, he was posted back to Alexandra Road, where he spent his early years of service. He was later transferred to SA Police Loop Street (now Pietermaritzburg Central – [LG]). During 1990 he was transferred to Plessislaer, where he remained until his retirement.
I first met George in 1991 when I was transferred to Plessislaer from Head Office, Wachthuis, Compol, Pretoria. Because the station was located in a Black area, it was a very difficult time. The police station lacked resources, had too few staff, and was struggling compared with other stations in the district. Having previously worked in the Soweto region, I was familiar with the situation and believed that hard work, determination, motivation and inspiration of members were the way forward. However, the members, mostly Black and a handful of Indian members, were suspicious of plans to modernise or improve. Many felt discouraged and unsafe. They did not have proper firearms, bulletproof vests or other equipment, yet we were working in one of the most dangerous areas in Pietermaritzburg. Fear and frustration were part of everyday life, and innocent lives in the community were being lost daily.
At that time, I held onto the scripture from Ezekiel 37:1-10, where God shows the prophet a valley of dry bones and asks, “Can these bones live?” It showed a place of hopelessness but also God’s power to restore life. That scripture described exactly how our station felt – like dry bones in a valley.
There was also mistrust from the community. Many people believed we were no different from the Apartheid regime and that promises of change meant nothing, cliché to them. I knew that real change would not come through authority or force, but through trust, integrity and relationships. A respected individual with influence within the station must be identified who could help rebuild what had been broken. That person was none other than Sergeant George Ngcamu.
At the time George was responsible for the safekeeping of exhibits. His work was always neat, accurate and without fault. He accounted for every item entered in the SAP 13 register (lost and found property and exhibits used in crimes such as knives, knobkerries, etc. –[LG]). Despite the shortcomings and challenges, Plessislaer was a major station with a large precinct and despite the unrest in the area a large quantity of firearms and spent cartridges were kept in a strong room. Due to the large quantity, the responsibility for firearms and found or confiscated was allocated to another member. The exhibits office is one of the most important areas in policing because it requires honesty and discipline. Sadly, in many places it has led to corruption, but George carried out his duties with complete integrity. His character spoke for itself.
When the vision was shared with him, he agreed to support it. He spoke to members inside the station and to people in the community. He became the bridge between police and the public, between doubt and hope. Because people trusted him, they listened.
During early 1992 due to the acute shortage of dependable and reliable licensed drivers at the station, we embarked on a driver education programme, both theoretical and practical. Warrant Officer Nicky Gops Naidoo was appointed the tutor; he was the only Indian Casper, heavy duty and breakdown driver at the station.
Ngcamu was the first candidate. “George was very eager to obtain his license and acquired same in a minimal period. It was a pleasure to tutor him.” – said Naidoo
Warrant Officer Nicky Gops Naidoo
Major Johnny Govender was transferred from the Soweto region to take command of the station during 1993. His vision aptitude, and vast experience at Mountain Rise and the Soweto held him in good stead to implement the innovation needed.
Colonel Johnny Govender
To make change we embarked on hosting weekly prayer meetings and Bible studies at the station. A pastor was invited to minister to us. The Deputy National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General JM Manual (Whilst working in the Soweto-West District, then Colonel Manuel was the District Commandant, so both Johnny and I were very well acquainted with the General. – [LG]) and his dear wife Sophie attended one of the meetings. The District Commandant, Colonel Last and his wife Warrant Officer Last together with several of the members from District (N0 45) attended.
In the evenings we visited the homes of members and their families in Imbali, Edendale and Northdale. George picked members and brought them to Bible study on Tuesdays and youth meetings on Fridays. He did this faithfully and without seeking recognition.
Through his faith and commitment, change slowly began to happen. Hearts softened, relationships were restored and courage returned. The station, once like dry bones, slowly began to stand strong again.
On a personal level, George was someone I could fully trust. He was dependable and always kept his word. In a world where promises are often broken, George never failed to keep his.
Over time the station was no longer a place of despair. Through this many police members discovered their callings into the ministry. The station became strong and united. While many people helped bring about this change, George’s faithfulness and kindness played a central role. He helped change the hopeless situation.
He was a warrior not only in uniform but also in spirit. He stood against corruption with integrity, against fear with faith, and against division with unity. He was a hero, not because he wanted attention, but because he served selflessly. True heroes quietly support others and stand firm during difficult times. George was that kind of man.
In Johnny Govender’s efforts to bring peace to the troubled Plessislaer precinct, where ordinary peace-loving people were often killed or seriously injured, George helped involve the community so that Govender could take part in negotiations with different groups of leaders in the station area after he took command of Plessislaer. He also adopted two underprivileged institutions and served. One was a home for the elderly and infirm, where he later became a board member of the Emseni Old Age Home. Here he played an important role in bridging the gap between the mainly African communities and the police. Johnny was also nominated as a board member of two recognised charity organisations.
The other institution was Ekujabuleni Children’s Home. While working there, he played a leading role in the adoption of a child into the home of Johnny Govender’s sister. The child spent a weekend with the family and later became a permanent member of the Naidoo family. The child, a girl named Carol, was legally adopted by Yano (sister of Colonel Govender) and her husband Tommy Naidoo. Carol attended a private school where she was named Dux and appointed a prefect for her outstanding academic achievements.
Carol later was enrolled in the medical faculty at the University of Cape Town. She now works as a medical doctor in a leading state medical facility, serving underprivileged people from the community she came from. She has taken the surname Naidoo. The kindness and humanitarian spirit shown by Yano and Tommy Naidoo made a lasting difference. Doctor Carol Naidoo, together with other medical doctors, later formed an association called the “Help Me Up Foundation”, which provides financial assistance in the form of bursaries to underprivileged children who wish to pursue a university education.
Doctor Carol Naidoo
The Naidoo family
From left to right – Mr Tommy Naidoo; Carol Naidoo; Yano Naidoo (sister of Colonel Johnny Govender).
In 1993 Johnny secured sponsorship from Govender’s Garage to host a soccer tournament for the community of Imbali in the hope of encouraging peace between the different factions. The IFP won the tournament. At the same time, before the elections, a netball and ballroom competition was also organised.
All these efforts helped to promote peace and build better relationships. Police members were no longer seen as enemies but as friends of the community. In addition, gang warfare was brought to an end through these peace initiatives.
When a club for retired police members was formed by Brigadier Bala Naidoo, George helped bring people together. He valued unity and fellowship. During winter gatherings he would bring wood for a bonfire and cook stiff pap with potatoes for everyone to enjoy. These simple moments of warmth and laughter showed the kind of man he was. He brought warmth not only through firewood but also through his spirit.
The following medals were awarded to him :-
1988-04-01 – The South African Police 75th year Commemorative Medal.
1989-04-09 – The South African Police Medal for Faithful Service for 10 years of Long Service and Exemplary Conduct.
1999-04-09 – The South African Police Star for Faithful Service for 20 years of Faithful Service and Exemplary Conduct.
2005-01-27 – The South African Police Service 10-year commemorative Medal 1995-2005
2009-04-07 – The South African Police Service Medal for 30 years of Loyal Service and Exemplary Conduct.
2012-08-31 The South African Police Service World Cup 2010 Support
2013-04-01 Centenary 1913-2013
He retired in October 2015 after serving the South African Police and its various communities for over 36years.
Inaugural meeting of Retired Police members in September 2018
L – R, Jerome de Villiers; Johnny Govender; Bob Sewpersad; Bala Naidoo; Henry Budhram; George Ngcamu; Logan Govender
Warrant Officer Sipho George Ngcamu is remembered as a dedicated officer, a man of integrity, and a person who made a meaningful difference in both the police service and the community he served.
Meeting of retired police members in Pietermaritzburg on 14th July 2018
L – R, Walther Nxumalo; George Ngcamu; Reuben Khumalo: Johnny Govender
Awards evening function hosted by SA Police, Mountain Rise during 2019 at the Truro Plaza Hall, Pietermaritzburg
L-R, Warrant Officers Reuben Khumalo; Sergeant Walther Nxumalo; George Ngcamu and Captain Zenzele Ndlovu. (All four with almost a century of service amongst them. – [LG])
Awards evening function hosted by SA police, Mountain Rise during 2019 at the Truro Plaza Hall, Pietermaritzburg. A group photograph of all former members who attended together with members of SAPS Mountain Rise CPF and SAPS Senior Management
Front row, seated, L-R, 2nd left in blue suit seated Brigadier Mandla Gwala – former acting Cluster Commander Pietermaritzburg North); 3rd Brigadier P Pillay – former Station Commander, Mountain Rise; Major 5th General (f) B E Sithole in black outfit (former Cluster Commander, Pietermaritzburg South)
End of year function of retired police members, Pietermaritzburg, George Ngcamu presented with a gift bag for Christmas
L-R, George Ngcamu, Bala Naidoo (Chairperson); Pastor Anthony Naidoo, Senior Pastor Jesus Revival Ministries, the sponsor of gifts bags in appreciation of services rendered by former police members
Warrant Officers George Ngcamu and Reuben Khumalo
Meeting of retired police members in Pietermaritzburg
L – R, Frank Uys; Umesh Deopersad; Norman Nel; Yusuf Haffajee; Moodley; Mike Vadivelu; Jerome de Villiers; George Ngcamu; Daniel Seevaraj; Anand Pillay
End of year function
Rear, L – R, George Ngcamu; Nicky Naidoo; Sada Pillay; Jerome de Villiers; Bheki Madlala
Front, L – R, Sonja; Leonie Hopkins
Members enjoying a meal at a year-end function
L – R, Geoff Anderson; Norman Nel; George Ngcamu; Nicky Naidoo
George and his daughter Phumlile
Funeral notice
Even in retirement, George remained active in community matters. He worked with the Ward Councillor to address important issues such as roads, streetlights and water supply so that the community could have better services.
He also encouraged his grandson, Andile, an agricultural graduate, to plant vegetables in their home garden. The produce was shared with elderly and underprivileged people in the community.
Rest in peace, dear brother. My deepest sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family and friends. George has left a wonderful legacy for us all to follow.
The community has lost a servant leader. And I have lost a brother.
But we are thankful for the time we shared with him. His life reminds us that even in the driest valley, hope can rise again. George was a man who brought life where there was despair.
We visited each other often and spoke regularly on the phone. We would spend hours talking about the station, our families, life and the work of God. Those conversations were filled with laughter and encouragement, and I will always treasure them.
Over time, we became more than colleagues; we became like family.
He also encouraged me to attend funerals in the community. He understood the importance of standing with people in their grief. Through him, I learnt that sometimes the greatest support we can give is simply our presence.
2 Timothy 4:7-8
You have fought a good fight, you have finished your course, and have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for you a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give you.
May we honour his memory by living with the same faith, integrity and courage that he showed every day. His work was not in vain. He will never be forgotten. Hambe Khahle
Siyabonga
During this time of reflection and remembrance, I had the privilege of reconnecting with old friends and colleagues whom I had not seen in many years. It was particularly touching to meet again with Mrs Joanne Mkhize, the wife of the late Captain TP Mkhize, as well as Themba Hlongwana and Washington Nyembe. Seeing familiar faces after such a long time reminded us of the strong bonds we once shared.
As we spoke and shared memories, it felt as though the years between us had faded away. We were able to rekindle friendships and renew relationships that had been shaped by our shared experiences in the past. During mourning the loss of our dear brother, there was also a moment of warmth and unity.
Although we came together because of a loss, the reunion reminded us of the importance of staying connected and cherishing the friendships we have built over the years. It was a joyful moment within a time of sorrow, and we are grateful for the opportunity to meet again.
We thank God for bringing us together once more, even in such circumstances, and for reminding us that the bonds of friendship and brotherhood remain strong despite the passing of time.
Taken at the funeral service of George Ngcamu
L – R, Mrs Joanne Mkhize, the wife of the late Captain TP Mkhize, as well as Themba Hlongwana and Washington Nyembe and myself [LG]
Colonel Johnny Govender
“Under my guidance, supervision and control George led a number of meaningful community projects not mentioned above that made a real difference in people’s lives. Together, we showed great care and commitment to those in need.
One of our most touching initiatives involved taking elderly people to a children’s home, where they could share meals with the children that were abandoned. This created a special bond, offering comfort, companionship and a sense of belonging to both the elderly and the young.
He assisted to develop a community care centre from the Parker Homes, within the station premises to provide a safe place for abused and abandoned females and children. Understanding the importance of proper support, a qualified social worker was acquired by George and appointed to guide and oversee the programme.
With funding support from USAID, this project grew from strength to strength and was recognised internationally with an award. The dedication and teamwork brought honour not only to the police but also to the wider community.
In addition, George assisted schoolchildren who arrived at school hungry; they were given bread and soup, helping them to focus and learn better in class.
These efforts went far beyond these projects. George worked tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to uplift the community, showing kindness, leadership and true public service.” – JOHNNY GOVENDER
Lieutenant-Colonel YA Haffajee
“I met George Ngcamu when I was the treasurer at the Retired Police Officers club. He was one of the committee members in 2017. How do I describe him? He was a small build man with a quiet demeanour. That was his outer appearance, but what a Giant of a Man he was. George was always ready to assist the club and go the extra mile to achieve this goal. He made my function as the treasurer so much lighter that I cannot explain. Always ready to assist with logistics and equipment when we had a social gathering with the members of the club. Always smiling, never complaining and ever willing to assist everyone. His Absence will sorely be felt. His comforting smile and his open hands to assist will forever be missed.”, – YA HAFFAJEE
Brigadier Bala Naidoo
We will sadly miss Warrant officer George Ngcamu. Although I did not work in the same environment as he did, but when we met at the retired members’ club in 2016, we developed a strong bond of friendship.
On many occasions W/o George contributed to the club’s activities, both in person and generous donations. He also assisted me in overcoming hurdles in my business endeavours. His patience and calm nature solved many volatile situations.
Sincere thanks to his family for sharing this gentle giant with us. God bless.
RIP! – BALA NAIDOO
“agnoscere et honorare servientibus” –
“to acknowledge and honour those who served”
“Soli Deo Gloria” – “To God Alone Glory”
Logan Govender
