Captain Catherine Govender has been awarded a medal for her 30 years of service to the South African Police Service. Govender was one of 350 police officers who received medals for 10, 20 and 30 years of duty in the SAPS. The Phoenix mother of two also received a medal for 10 years’ commemorative service.
Govender has been a police officer for 33 years and is based at Durban Central.
Her love for children spurred her to become a police officer, she said. Her two daughters were present at the parade, at the Durban Exhibition Centre, and joked that they were not allowed to follow in their mother’s footsteps.
Both daughters had recently become parents and laughed when Govender said she hoped her infant granddaughter would become a police officer.
She said her ability to stay true to herself helped her overcome the challenges associated with working in a male-dominated industry.
“This is a great achievement for me, to be awarded my medals. Some of the challenges I faced were instances where I was not given the same respect as male officers but my loving family has always supported me.
“My husband is wheelchair-bound but he has never stopped me and has always been a great supporter. He is my champion,” said Govender.
Speaking about changes within the force, Govender said discipline had slightly declined. She said it was the responsibility of senior police officers to show younger officers how to carry themselves.
For women wanting to join the force, she advised: “Just be yourself. Do not succumb to pressure. Work hard to maintain your feminine image.”