Reddy to spread his wings

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Not only was he recently appointed as the new police Ombudsman for the Western Cape, but Eden Cluster Commander, Major-General Oswald Reddy, also celebrated 19 years in his rank on Sunday 1 August.

In honour of this milestone achievement, the most senior police officer in the Southern Cape was surprised with a cake and an intimate ceremony organised and attended by some of his colleagues at the Eden Cluster offices on Monday 2 August.

"I am happy. If there is anyone I would've chosen to celebrate these 19 years with, it is this team," he said during the ceremony.

"I have only been in George for six years, but if I think of the love, support and compassion I have received, it's not going to be easy to leave. Thank you for being part of my journey. Each of you, in your own way, has strengthened me and added value. I appreciate all of you and love you. God bless you all."

Reddy will be celebrating 39 years as a police officer on 16 August and has been heading the Eden Cluster for the last six years with great success.

"I never knew George and being posted here was an excellent opportunity to get to know the people and the place. I enjoyed every moment of the six years and three months that I've been here. I would like to retire here one day," he said during a post-ceremony press briefing.

Reddy will officially take up his position as Ombudsman on 1 September in Cape Town and is looking forward to the new challenge.

"This new opportunity will extend my service to the nation with another five years. I am always up for a challenge - always - and I'm looking forward to it. I've interacted with most of the organisations and institutions who work in collaboration with Government. To hold the police accountable will be part of my duties, and I am up for that challenge. I know the ins and outs of the organisation and I believe in a good working relationship for the benefit of the nation and stabilising and reducing crime to make the province safe and secure," he said.

Major-General Oswald Reddy's cake.

Reddy's history in a nutshell

Reddy, who enlisted as a non-commissioned officer in 1982, joined the Eden Cluster in 2015 after he took over the reins from then Major-General Thembisile Patekile who has since been appointed as the Western Cape's police commissioner.

He has served as a station commander at various police stations in Soweto, Hillbrow, Mamelodi East and Honeydew. He also served as the Area Commissioner of Johannesburg from 2002 until 2006 and the Cluster Commander of Honeydew from 2009 until his placement to Eden Cluster.

What many might not know is that Reddy's qualifications include an MPA master's degree in Public Administration from Harvard University (USA), a Bachelor of Law degree from Unisa, a national diploma in police administration from Technikon SA, a diploma in business management from the Business Management Training College of Southern Africa, and a certification from the John Maxwell Online University, Orlando, Florida in the USA.

He is a member of the International Police Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the International Association of Crime Analysts, and serves as a member of the ISS National Violence Prevention Forum.

Reddy has received various awards and commendations during the past 39 years and is also an independent certified coach, trainer and speaker of the John Maxwell Team that focuses on leadership development and empowerment.

Major General-Oswald Reddy (seated) with some of the senior officers of the Eden Cluster who surprised him with a cake in celebration of his 19 years' service as Major-General in the police force.