Tilla – Nongqai vol 17 No 6Top of Form
‘n Huldeblyk aan Tilla Botha se merkwaardige loopbaan
ABSTRACT (English)
Tilla Botha’s career in the South African Police reflects a pioneering journey marked by perseverance, loyalty, and unwavering dedication. Beginning in 1964 as one of the first female typists at the Ladybrand District Office, she advanced through numerous specialised units during a period when opportunities for women in policing were limited. Her service included key roles in the Vanderbijlpark Detective Branch, Ermelo Security Police, Blinkpan Police Station, Burgersfort Detectives, SANAB Middelburg, Murder and Robbery, Serious and Violent Crime, and later the Hawks in Middelburg. Across all postings, Botha was recognised for her professionalism, integrity, and steadfast commitment to duty. Upon retirement, she looked back on a career rich in meaningful experiences and significant contributions. Today, at 80 years of age, she remains an inspiration to colleagues and all who know her, embodying a legacy of service, courage, and resilience.
KEYWORDS
Tilla Botha,
South African Police,
Women in policing,
Ladybrand District Office,
Detective Branch,
Security Police,
SANAB,
Serious and Violent Crime,
Hawks (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation),
Professionalism and integrity,
Police history,
Legacy of service,
‘N HULDEBLYK AAN TILLA BOTHA SE MERKWAARDIGE LOOPBAAN
(Ons het altyd gepraat van die tannies in die kantoor.)
Tilla Botha se loopbaan in die Polisie is ’n merkwaardige verhaal van deursettingsvermoë, lojaliteit en toewyding.
Sy het reeds in 1964 haar loopbaan begin by die Ladybrand Distrikskantoor as een van die eerste vroue-tiksters – ’n baanbreker in ’n tyd toe vroue nog min geleenthede in die polisiemag gehad het.
Deur die jare het sy by verskeie afdelings en stasies diens gedoen, onder andere by die
•Speurtak Vanderbijlpark,
•Ermelo Veiligheidspolisie,
•Blinkpan Polisiestasie,
•Burgersfort Speurtak,
•SANAB Middelburg, Moord en Roof, Ernstige Geweldsmisdaad en later by die Valke in Middelburg.
Oral waar sy gewerk het, het sy haar pligte met trots, professionaliteit en integriteit uitgevoer.
Hoewel sy uiteindelik moes aftree toe die tyd daarvoor aangebreek het, kyk sy terug op ’n lewe vol betekenisvolle ervarings, uitdagings en prestasies.
Tilla se nalatenskap leef voort as ’n voorbeeld van diensbaarheid, moed en volharding.
Op 80 jarige ouderdom is Tilla steeds ‘n inspirasie vir almal wat haar ken.
☆Ons wens vir jou is goeie gesondheid, geluk en vele geseënde jare vorentoe Tilla ♡♡
