Brümilda Swartbooi
She’s known as Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s (JMPD) Mother Theresa, a stalwart to many and a leader of note. Superintendent Esther Dabula (61) has been serving the City for four decades with utmost dedication and she’s still going strong. On 7 February 2024 she celebrated a milestone of 40 years in service. She says the recipe to 40 years is hard work, empathy and maintaining an open-door policy. She started as a cleaner in 1984 in the City’s security department at the Old Fort and had one goal, to one day become an officer and protect citizens. Despite facing barriers as a black woman to become a security officer, she remained committed. Undeterred she always told herself. “One day I’ll be there too.” In 1995, Esther’s dream came closer to fruition when she was permitted to apply to become a security guard and successfully completed the training. Subsequently, she was appointed as a radio operator in 1996. Her journey to becoming a metro police officer reached a milestone in 2000. A few months after the launch of JMPD in 2001, she was promoted to Sergeant.
Her dedication was visible and landed her another promotion the following year to Inspector stationed in Midrand.
In 2007 Esther was appointed Acting Superintendent of Overloads and Recovery Unit at Wemmer Complex.
She also had a stint as Head of Control Room. In 2015 she was appointed Superintendent and stationed at Marlboro Speed Unit before joining the Bylaw Management Unit in 2023.
Outside her substantial role in the Bylaw Management Unit, she also works closely with chaplains to offer support services and arrange memorial services. “I’m passionate about the wellbeing of officer. That’s why I consider it important to establish a level of trust. Our work is important, and I want officers to be happy when they come to work.”
Esther was raised by her mother in Zola, Soweto.
Despite leaving school early to help support her family, Esther seized JMPD’s opportunities for education, completing her matric through Adult Basic Education and Training.
Later, as a mother her main priority was always to ensure her children get the best education and to study further which is exactly what she gave her son and daughter.
Esther also has two granddaughters.
For leisure she loves traveling and exploring and is deeply rooted in her faith, spending much of her precious downtime in church.
She is also part of JMPD choir and enjoys swimming.
As a parting shot, she says she loves seeing officers grow and recognised and hopes to see JMPD appoint its own chaplains.
SOURCED FROM THE CITY’S WEBSITE..
