The Gauteng Department of Community Safety bids farewell to Gauteng Traffic Police Deputy Director, Alfred Mabidilalawho is on the verge of retirement after 43 years of uninterrupted service.
Deputy Director Mabidilala (65) was recognised for his outstanding contribution in enhancing safety on Gauteng roads during his illustrious career. The function, which was officiated by Gauteng Traffic Police Chief Director, AdvThami Mayisela, was held at Roodeplaat Dam, Tshwane.
Deputy Director Mabidilala became a Traffic officer in 1979 when he was enlisted as a Grade 2 Provincial Inspector at the Transvaal Provincial Administrator (TPA) in Krugersdorp. A disciplinarian of note, Deputy Director Mabidilala, worked in a very orderly and well managed office where discipline was not compromised. “I worked in a very disciplined environment where professionalism was an apex priority,” said Deputy Director Mabidilala.
Deputy Director Mabidilala served 16 years as a Provincial Inspector in Krugersdorp and got promoted to a Principal Provincial Inspector and was later transferred to Tshwane corridor.
“Upon my arrival in Tshwane, the officers that I was tasked to lead were ill-disciplined and under-performing which was a daunting challenge for me. I then had to derive strategies to get them to work with purpose, determination and to meet the required service delivery standards,” said Deputy Director Mabidilala.
Deputy Director Mabidilala has been hailed as a fountain of knowledge by many within the law enforcement fraternity. Colleagues praised him for his commitment and determination.
“Deputy Director Mabidilala gave us valuable inputs towards the operational plan for Easter and Festive holidays, so he is leaving behind a rich legacy which many must emulate,’’ said Colonel Isaac Madala Mhlongo, representative from SAPS Tshwane District.
Gauteng Traffic Police Chief Director, Adv Mayisela, also thanked Deputy Director Mabidilala for his hard work, dedication, and commitment towards creating a safer Gauteng.
“I want to thank you for always being true to yourself and being truthful to the power itself, we meet to part and part to meet. You have been a great servant to the Department,” said Adv Mayisela, Gauteng Traffic Police Chief Director.
Colleagues poured messages of well wishes towards Deputy Director Mabidilala led by Gauteng Traffic Police Northern Corridor Director, Mr Joseph Mokoka. “You always listened, you always had something constructive to say, and you always offered support and encouragement with an unflagging spirit. I have learned so much from you, and I will miss working with you,” said Mr Mokoka.
Road Incident Management (RIMS) Representative, Ms Nene Ntlatleng, stated that the significant part of the celebration is the aftermath of the distribution of the National Road Enforcement code which Deputy Director Mabidilala took a significant role in its development. Deputy Director led the structure as the Provincial Chairperson.
Deputy Director Mabidilala is credited for ensuring safety on Gauteng most notorious and killer road, Moloto Road which claimed the lives of many road users in the province. “It was my responsibility as a Regional Manager to take an initiative to do road assessments working with Road Engineers. With their assistance, we changed road markings to improve the safety of road users in Moloto,” said Deputy Director Mabidilala.
In his closing remarks, Deputy Director Mabidilala spoke fondly about his years of service. “I have run my marathon of 43 years. I have done what I have always wanted to do, what my managers and citizens of Gauteng Province requested me to do. That is to enhance safety on Gauteng roads,” said Deputy Director Mabidilala. The Gauteng Department of Community Safety wishes Deputy Director Mabidilala a happy, healthy and resounding retirement period.
