- Over 1 000 cadets from Cape Town’s Metro Police College climbed Table Mountain, breaking a Guinness World Record.
- The record-breaking event, part of Project 1000, was a testament to their unity and commitment.
- The cadets will soon complete their training and serve communities across South Africa.
On Friday 25 October, a breathtaking scene unfolded as over 1 000 public safety cadets from the metro took on the challenge of conquering Table Mountain.
Led by the Metro Police College as part of their ambitious Project 1000 initiative, the cadets shattered a previous Guinness World Record set in Iraq, where 815 people hiked a mountain at the same time last year. The largest single group of law enforcement staff ever to climb the peak, their march through Newlands Forest was nothing short of majestic, with the cadets forming a snaking line across the trail – a powerful symbol of strength, unity and discipline.
JP Smith, the Mayco member for safety and security, spoke proudly of the cadets’ achievements, highlighting the incredible growth of the Metro Police College.
“Our Public Safety Training College is breaking records at a rapid pace. Already, we are training more municipal peace officers than the rest of South Africa combined,” Smith said. “Our focus remains on the values most important if we are to build a police service that is respected and trusted—values of integrity, honour, and compassion.”
The event was more than just a physical challenge; it marked a significant milestone in the cadets’ journey.
Over the past 11 months, these future law enforcement officers have undergone rigorous training in preparation for the next phase of their careers.
All of South Africa
Smith emphasised that Project 1 000 is not just about meeting Cape Town’s needs but about building a force capable of serving communities across SA.
“We’re not just training you for Cape Town but for the whole of South Africa and other municipalities,” Smith said. “We are deeply committed to making opportunities available—this is an investment we are grateful for.”
As the cadets marched proudly across the mountain, their hard work and dedication were on full display. The sheer magnitude of the event reflected not only their physical prowess but also the college’s emphasis on the core values that will guide these officers as they step into their new roles. On Friday 29 November, the cadets will no longer be trainees but fully-fledged law enforcement officials, ready to serve their communities with professionalism, respect, empathy, and discipline.
One of the cadets, Nadia Ntongandini, shared her personal journey through the programme. “I pushed myself to pass. I was very unfit, wearing a size 48, and now I’m a size 36. I’m looking forward to the festive season and to serve the public,” she said, reflecting on her transformation both physically and mentally.
Smith acknowledged the importance of a trustworthy and capable police service. “May they always remember discipline, respect, empathy, and professionalism, and most importantly, putting the community first,” he said, echoing the college’s commitment to cultivating officers who embody these ideals.
As the cadets prepare to take on their duties, they carry with them the pride of their accomplishments and the trust of the communities they will soon serve.
