For the first time, a woman is calling the shots at the Brooklyn Police Station. Brigadier Kushie Nair was recently appointed as the new SAPS Station Commander at Brooklyn and, measured by the warm welcome she received at the University this week she already has a strong partner against crime.

“It is such a pleasure to welcome another woman in command, especially as it is Women’s Month,” Prof Cheryl de la Rey, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UP said to Nair. “Welcome to the neighbourhood.”

Prof De la Rey referred to the longstanding successful partnership the University has had with the Brooklyn Police.

“Over the years, we’ve been pooling our resources to ensure a safe environment for our staff and students.” The Principal also reiterated the significant annual economic contribution that the University and its about 45 000 contact students make to the bigger Hatfield area, as well as the active role that UP still plays in the Hatfield City Improvement District (CID).

Brigadier Nair said she always dreamed of becoming a police officer. “Being the first woman station commander at Brooklyn means that I have to work ten times harder than any man, but I can easily achieve success thanks to partnerships like these." She confirmed that the collaboration between the Brooklyn SAPS and the University would continue and that she firmly believes in an open door, as well as in open communication channels.

“After all, the successes of the whole team are all feathers in my cap,” she said.