The corridors of Police Headquarters were filled with pride, celebration and a strong sense of national achievement on Monday morning as officers and support staff gathered to give National Commissioner of Police Manoma Vusie Masango a warm and heartfelt reception following his appointment as Chairperson of the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO).
The reception, attended by members of the Police Executive, Regional Commissioners, officers from various ranks and support staff,
marked a significant milestone not only for the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) but also for the Kingdom of Eswatini as a whole.
The appointment places Eswatini at the helm of one of Southern Africa’s most important regional security bodies for the first time in more than two decades.
The atmosphere at Police Headquarters reflected both excitement and pride as colleagues welcomed Commissioner Masango home following the conclusion of the 31st SARPCCO Annual General Meeting held in Lilongwe, Malawi, where the leadership transition officially took place. 
The appointment is particularly historic because Eswatini has not occupied the prestigious position since former Commissioner of Police Edgar Hillary served as SARPCCO Chairperson 23 years ago.
The return of the chairmanship to Eswatini is being viewed as recognition of the country’s growing contribution to regional peace, security and law enforcement cooperation.
National Commissioner Masango succeeds Malawi Inspector General of Police Richard Chakupaleza Chikoko Luhanga, who completed his tenure as head of the regional policing body during the annual gathering of police chiefs from member states.
Established to promote cooperation among police services within the Southern African Development Community (SADC),
SARPCCO plays a critical role in coordinating efforts against transnational crimes, strengthening intelligence sharing,
enhancing law enforcement capabilities and advancing regional security initiatives.
As Chairperson, Commissioner Masango will be expected to guide strategic discussions and collaborative efforts among member states as they confront evolving security challenges across the region.
During the reception, Senior Deputy National Commissioner Sula Emmanuel Dlamini congratulated Commissioner Masango on his appointment and assured him of unwavering support from the entire leadership and membership of the Royal Eswatini Police Service.
“We promise our support in our different roles. May your tenure be fruitful and be embraced with God’s wisdom,” Dlamini said.
Responding to the warm reception, an emotional NatCom Masango expressed profound gratitude to his colleagues and admitted that he had not anticipated such a heartfelt welcome.
“I’m at a loss for words. I was not expecting such a reception and I am emotional.
This spirit is good for REPS and the country. It signals we are a team with the zest to serve,” he said.
The National Commissioner used the occasion to reinforce the importance of teamwork and collective responsibility in achieving both national and regional objectives.
“There is no ‘I’ in teamwork. There is only ‘We’. The position of National Commissioner is temporary, but what matters most is how we serve our country and our people,” he said.
Masango emphasised that leadership should never be viewed as an avenue for personal glory but rather as an opportunity to serve with humility and dedication.
“In a workplace you cannot blow your own trumpet or gloat over personal glory, but we need to put the country first,” he said.
The National Commissioner also highlighted the broader significance of Eswatini’s growing role within regional governance and security structures.
He noted that his appointment comes at a time when the Kingdom is poised to assume greater responsibilities within the Southern African Development Community.
He pointed out that His Majesty King Mswati III is also expected to assume the Chairmanship of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation Troika, placing Eswatini at the centre of regional efforts aimed at maintaining peace, stability and development.
“Especially as His Majesty King Mswati III will also be assuming Chairmanship of the SADC Organ Troika.
We all need to roll up our sleeves for the betterment of the country, the SADC region and the globe towards attaining peace and security,” Masango said.
