‘They Protected Us. Now We Protect Their Children,’ SAPS Education Trust Honours Legacy of Fallen Police

What began as a viral cow donation campaign has sparked national attention for a cause far more meaningful: the education of children left behind by South African police officers killed in the line of duty.

From Cows to Classrooms

When social media personality Chris Excel launched a BackaBuddy campaign to buy Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi two cows in honour of his leadership, the public responded with generosity. The campaign exceeded its R35,000 goal, raising R44,074 in just days.

But instead of pocketing the praise, Mkhwanazi redirected the spotlight. In a heartfelt video message, he thanked donors but asked them to channel the funds into the SAPS Education Trust (SAPSET), a fund that supports the children of fallen SAPS members with their educational needs.

“I’m a civil servant,” he said. “It is their taxes that compensate us. I would rather the money go to the children of my colleagues who lost their lives serving this country.”

A Fund Built on Sacrifice

The SAPS Education Trust was founded in 2010, born from the realisation that families of officers killed in service often face severe financial hardship, especially when those officers were young or in junior ranks, with little or no pension contributions.

Today, the fund has already helped over 1,700 children, paying for schooling and tertiary education through discretionary payments to accredited institutions recognised by the Department of Basic Education or Higher Education.

An independent board led by Chairman Vuyani Jarana oversees the trust.

‘These Children Deserve Dignity’

Every year, Mkhwanazi reminds the nation of what is lost and who is left behind.

“Most of our fallen officers died very young. Many were constables or sergeants. They didn’t leave behind pensions. They left behind children who still need our support,” he said. “Donating to this fund means giving dignity to families who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Real Stories. Real Futures.

The fund doesn’t just pay school fees. It changes lives.

Pheladi Grace Mphahlele, whose father was a SAPS warrant officer, is now studying towards a Bachelor of Business Administration at MANCOSA, thanks to help from the trust. In a letter, she wrote, “I would really appreciate support again this year. It means the world.”

Amukelani Rivombo, another beneficiary, is working towards becoming a civil engineer. “Without donors like you, I wouldn’t have made it this far,” he wrote. “Now, I’m preparing for in-service training to complete my dream.”

These stories echo the impact that funding can make, not just academically, but emotionally, in honouring the legacies of parents who gave their lives in service.

The Call to Action

Mkhwanazi has made a public appeal: if you can donate, please do. The SAPS Education Trust relies entirely on voluntary contributions. It is not just a fund, he says, but a national duty to protect the future of those whose parents protected us.

“Let us stand together,” he said. “Not just to remember the fallen, but to uplift their families. Their children are our collective responsibility.”

Also read: Parliament Committee Prepares to Probe Mkhwanazi’s Explosive SAPS Allegations

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Source: IOL

Featured Image: Cape Times