Ladies in Blue
Keywords
Ladies in Blue; Former Policewomen; South African Police Service (SAPS); Empowerment; Sisterhood; Networking; Support; Guidance; Community Service; Retirement; Resilience; Leadership; Discipline; Unity; Professionalism; Camaraderie; Domestic Violence Awareness; Legal Advice; Social Support; Emotional Wellbeing; Women in Law Enforcement; Legacy; Service; Honour; Dignity; Inspiration; Mentorship; Strength; Courage; Compassion; Public Service; Safety; Protection; Advocacy; Community Outreach; Acknowledgement; Recognition; agnoscere et honorare servientibus; Soli Deo Gloria.
Abstract
Ladies in Blue is a growing group of retired and active women from the South African Police Service (SAPS). It was formed in 2024 to make sure that women who gave many years of service to the police and their communities do not feel forgotten after retirement. Many members served for over forty years, showing courage, discipline, leadership, and compassion.
The group promotes sisterhood, unity, and professionalism. It creates a safe space where former and serving policewomen can meet, build friendships, share experiences, and support one another emotionally and socially. Through networking and mentorship, they continue to inspire and uplift each other.
Ladies in Blue also remains committed to community service. Members use their knowledge and experience to give guidance on legal matters, domestic violence, abuse, and other law-related issues. Their goal is to empower especially women, helping them regain confidence, dignity, and strength. They believe in protection, advocacy, and community outreach.
Their mission is guided by the words agnoscere et honorare servientibus (to acknowledge and honour those who served) and Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone be the Glory). Even in retirement, these women continue their legacy of service, honour, and public safety, proving that their commitment to making a difference never ends.
SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE
“LADIES IN BLUE” END OF THE YEAR IN STYLE
SUPPORTING AND INSPIRING EACH OTHER
Happy Vibes
Yearend in function in Style 2025
Authored, researched and compiled by Vasie Naidu. Edited, and submitted for publication by Logan Govender [LG]
“The Nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.”
– Calvin Coolidge
“Ladies in Blue” are a group of former Policewomen seeking to empower fellow policewomen both serving, retired and the community in general.
First “Meet and Greet” at Jeera Restaurant, Durban in 2024
Leadership meets Sisterhood
The group recently celebrated their year-end function at Coastlands, Umhlanga on the 25th of October 2025. Formed in 2024, this growing network of retired and active South African Police Service (SAPS) women from across the country are dedicated to supporting and inspiring each other, both personally and professionally. Many members have proudly served the police and its communities for over four decades. With the resounding success of the previous two functions, they look forward to many more and years of service, sisterhood and making a difference.
Former members of Troop 3
L-R, Kogie Chetty; Rachael Smithwick; Melly Soobiah; Ronel Haffajee; Vasie Naidu and Pauline Naguru;
Former members of Troop 4
L-R, Reshma Naidoo; Munjoo Magin; Penny Moodley; Sushie Naicker and Cathy Govender
Former members of Troop 6
L-R, Priscilla Benedict; Tilly Govender; Santha Moodley; Niri Nayager; Priscilla Mahbeer; Cookie Aiyer and Sharon Govender
Vasie Naidu said, after retirement, individuals feel forgotten, reduced to just a force number. This group was created mostly for that reason, to ensure that it does not happen.
Therefore, we created this platform for women to continue networking, offering guidance, and sharing life experiences, whilst also supporting one another emotionally and socially. Despite stepping back from official duties, the “Ladies in Blue” remain deeply committed to serving the public. Their mission is simple yet powerful:
To provide free guidance and advice on legal, domestic violence, abuse, and other law-related issues, empowering individuals to reclaim their confidence and dignity.
Former members of the different Troops celebrating in the Reunion Magic
L-R, Lorraine Singh; Sharitha Venketsamy; Mavis Sewbalas; Mona Bodalia; Reshma Naidoo; Melly Soobiah; Sharon Govender and Priscilla Benedict
3 Badges, one incredible story of Anitha, centre who beat Cancer. Today she is the survivor, thriver, and inspirational tutor of the group
L-R, Munjoo Magin; Anitha Ganas; Michelle Balram
Committee Members with Guest speaker Major General Bala Naidoo
L-R, Cathy Govender; Munjoo Magin; Vasie Naidu; Bala Naidoo; Niri Nayager; Haseena Pillay and Annie Naidu
Committee Members, Senior Officers and Guest Speaker Brigadier Indera Chetty
Seated, L-R, Sharon Govender; Sally Khan; Guest Speaker Indera Chetty; Kogie Chetty
Standing, L-R, Vasie Naidu; Cathy Govender; Munjoo Megan; Haseena Pillay; Annie Naidu; Niri Nayager and Priscilla Govender
As proud women who have served with courage, dedication, and compassion, the Ladies in Blue continue their legacy of protection and empowerment, one conversation, one act of service at a time. It provides a space for women to network, inspire, and uplift one another, both as women, we understand the unique challenges and barriers that many face when seeking help. We have seen firsthand how trauma and fear can prevent individuals from seeking assistance. That’s why we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where women can feel empowered to take control of their lives. We are proud to be part of a legacy of women who have served with courage, dedication, and compassion. We will continue to serve, protect, and empower our communities, one conversation at a time. Many new relationships blossomed while long-standing ones were renewed.
Both guest speakers echoed the same joyful experience. “We are buzzing from the incredible experience I had with the Ladies in Blue. Their sense of organization, discipline, and unity is truly remarkable. What struck me most was their professionalism, charm, and camaraderie. It is clear that their dedication and resilience shine through in everything they do” – said Vasie Naidu
Message from Major General Bala Naidoo
“Dear Members of the Ladies in Blue,
WOW!
It was truly an honour to speak to such an inspiring group of women. I was deeply impressed by your remarkable sense of organization, discipline, and unity. The professionalism that once defined your service continues to shine through in your grace, charm, and camaraderie. I was especially amazed by the strength and spirit that each of you embodies, both in presence and in attitude. It was a privilege to share time with women whose dedication, resilience, and dignity continue to set an example for others.
Thank you for your warm welcome and for making my experience so memorable. I carry with me great admiration and respect for all of you. Thank you so much for the memento, which I accept with great humility. Great seeing so many of you, and thanks for such a great evening.”
United in Purpose, guided by excellence. Teamwork makes dream work
Next day briefing at breakfast 2025
Debriefing breakfast 2024😄
Committee members 2025
Committee members 2024
From L-R, Haseena Pillay; Vasie Naidu; Munjoo Magin; Cathy Govender; Annie Naidu; Niri Nayager
Pioneers of Ladies in Blue
- Haseena Pillay – Finance;
- Vasie Naidu – Public Relations Officer;
- Munjoo Magin – Secretary;
- Cathy Govender – Events Coordinator;
- Annie Naidu – Membership Coordinator;
- Niri Nayager – Chairperson
Ladies engrossed, soaking up knowledge and Power
Unwind, recharge, repeat. Sisterhood knows no bounds not even on a sofa
Seated, L-R, Priscilla Benedict Niri Nayager and Tilly Govender
Standing, Priscilla Mahabeer; Sharitha Venketsamy; Santha Moodley
Protecting and serving with passion
Melly Soobiah; Sharon Govender; Rachel Smithwick; Sharitha Venketsamy; Priscilla Benedict; Tilly Govender; Mavis Sewbalas
Waving goodbye for now. Until next year October 2026
Newspaper publications of previous meeting
“Even after retirement, these remarkable women continue to serve. Their mission is to offer free guidance and advice on issues such as legal matters, domestic violence, abuse, and other law-related challenges. By drawing upon their collective experience and deep sense of duty, they aim to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. May they be successful in this initiative and go from strength to strength.” –[LG]
“agnoscere et honorare servientibus” –
“to acknowledge and honour those who served”
“Soli Deo Gloria” – “To God Alone Glory”
Logan Govender
Ladies in Blue – what a lovely story, and the pictures are wonderful! Thank you, Logan Govender, for writing a very interesting story about these remarkable ladies, who, as you say, ‘have served the police and their communities over many decades. Thank you, Ladies in Blue, for your selfless duty to your communities and your dedication to the cause of crime prevention. You have done your families and your country proud!