Like many professionals, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the SAPS national spokesperson, also started somewhere before securing her top job within the police service.
Armed with a media background, Mathe has steadily carved a solid career in communications, as seen in her current role as a spokesperson. She has earned several awards throughout her illustrious career.
BRIGADIER ATHLENDA MATHE WAS AN SABC REPORTER
X user @Ndlombango posted two screenshots of Brigadier Mathe during her tenure as an SABC reporter. In one of them, she was seen reporting from Marikana in North West.
Brigadier Mathe, known for her impressive communication skills, obtained a Bachelor Honours degree in Communication from North-West University in 2013.
In 2024, the National Press Club named her the Spokesperson of the Year, recognising her extraordinary work during a period marked by significant public events.
Reflecting on how her educational background paved the way for her career as a spokesperson, she said:
“The communication principles I learned at the NWU continue to guide me. The qualification I earned early in my career set me apart in job interviews and gave me a strong foundation.”
Before joining SAPS, Athlenda worked for the SABC as a reporter. https://t.co/HcU4Du40Iy
— Ndlombango ka Tomase. (@Ndlombango) October 17, 2026
NETIZENS PRAISE BRIGADIER MATHE’S COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS
@MfanaNkosi3: She’s a seasoned communicator.
@JVCK89: No wonder she is so good, and she treats her colleagues with such respect.
@Zaddy_Bruh: That’s why she’s so well spoken. Makes sense.
@dollow10: Good example what happens when appointments are made based on merit, not politics. Not once since she took charge of comms has she been “misquoted” or had to clarify a statement. This was a win for SAPS.
@MyAfricanRootz: Wow. What a beautiful career transition she is having.
@WhatwhatFC: I have always wondered how this policewoman is so good with the media. And always on TV.
@ronnie_kobe88: A seasoned communicator; it makes sense why she is so articulate.