​Phuti Capson Kabe did not have the opportunity to fulfil his childhood dream of becoming a lawyer because fate steered his course into a different direction.

Kabe was recently conferred with a degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Political Leadership (Honoris Causa) by the Omega Global University for his contribution to policing, leadership and unionism.

He kick-started his career as a teacher and rose through the ranks to become the Headmaster before resigning to join the South African Police Service (SAPS) in 1989.

“I became a teacher because my parents couldn’t afford to send me to university, so going to a teacher’s college was the only option for me,” recalls the Dr.

Kabe’s mother was a farmer and his father a general worker and political activist, something he says had an impact on his choice as a youngster to pursue a career in law.

Although he never became a lawyer, Kabe says being a police officer gave him a sense of fulfilment as he played an active role in protecting South African citizens and making sure criminals are brought to book.

His service to humanity was not limited, as he played a pivotal role in the formation of an organised labour forum within the then police force of Lebowa, a former Bantustan in the erstwhile northern Transvaal, serving as a committee member and spokesperson between 1993 and 1995.

The father of three says he’s honoured to be conferred with a doctorate whilst he’s still alive. “I feel humbled. God has seen the good work and dedication I have put in serving the people of this country,” he says.

Kabe joined the City in 2005 as Head of Employee Relations at the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD). He currently works as Chief Forensic Investigator within the Group Forensic and Investigation Services Directorate (GFIS), tasked with protecting the City’s built infrastructure.

He holds a range of qualifications from Lund University in Sweden, the University of Pretoria, Wits University and the Trinity College of Music, a performance and creative arts institution. He is currently enrolled for a Master’s in Senior Leadership Development at the Wits Business School.

Born and bred in the village of Moletji in the Capricorn District of the Limpopo province, Kabe is the third born child in a family of nine kids. As a qualified musician, he spends his spare time mentoring budding artists. “I am passionate about changing the lives of ordinary South Africans for the better,” he says.

Written by Takalani Sioga