On 16 September 2025, the South African Police Service (SAPS) launched its first National Symposium for LGBTIQ+ Ambassadors in Pretoria, bringing together officers from across the country to address bias within the force. The historic gathering was held to strengthen inclusivity in policing, showing why diversity matters, how fair service delivery can be improved, and what steps are needed to ensure justice is delivered with dignity to every community.
Their Story
The SAPS LGBTIQ+ Ambassadors initiative was created to ensure that issues of diversity and inclusion are not sidelined but embraced within the organisation. For too long, bias and misunderstanding have shaped how officers interact with both colleagues and the public. Now, ambassadors are stepping forward to change that story, using their voices and experiences to help build a safer, more respectful policing culture.
The Event/Occasion
The symposium, a historic first for SAPS, opened with renewed energy and a shared vision for transformation. Ambassadors from across the country came together to confront bias within the ranks and to reimagine how policies can be translated into daily practice.
Workshops and discussions focused on strengthening fair service delivery, confronting prejudice, and making inclusion a visible priority at every level of policing. The message was clear: inclusivity is not symbolic, it is operational.
Community Reactions
The initiative has been welcomed by advocacy groups and citizens alike. Many see the symposium as a turning point for policing in South Africa, where justice will be measured not only by arrests and convictions but also by fairness, respect, and dignity.
“By confronting bias within our own ranks, we strengthen our ability to deliver justice fairly across every community,” one ambassador explained.
