BHEKI Cele's appointment as our new police commissioner is a step in the right direction.

BHEKI Cele's appointment as our new police commissioner is a step in the right direction.

Cele was outstanding as KwaZulu-Natal's safety and security MEC.

Cele joins a police force that is low on morale and short on confidence owing to the uncertainty at the top. The SAPS has been without a permanent commissioner for the last two years.

Now that there is someone to drive the fight against crime one hopes there will be a concerted and synchronised strategy to fight crime and corruption.

Cele might not be a career policeman but he is the right man for the job. His stint as police chief has obviously prepared him for the big job.

The SAPS has lost competent staff because of low morale and a lack of clear leadership. Cele will not turn the fight against crime around alone. He will need his experienced colleagues. Teamwork and shared responsibility will make his job a lot easier.

It is unfortunate that some view him as a political appointment who got the job because of political allegiance.

I personally see someone with the right credentials and attitude. I commend the Presidency for choosing the best person for the job.

So far they have their critical appointment right and one hopes the trend to appoint the best candidates for critical positions will be the norm rather than the exception.

Can't wait to see what the Mthetwa, Mbalula and Cele combination has in store for the criminals.

Kiekie Mboweni, Nkowankowa