SAPS Salutes Lifelong Protector of SA’s Presidents

Family, friends and senior colleagues of the South African Police Service gathered in Vereeniging on Saturday to pay their final respects to Brigadier Ben Ditlhakanyane, a career officer who spent more than three decades safeguarding the country’s highest office.

Among those attending the funeral service were Lieutenant General Michael Motlhala, Divisional Commissioner of Protection and Security Services, and Major General Wally Rhoode, Component Head of Presidential Protection Services.

Ditlhakanyane joined the SAPS in 1995 and devoted his working life to the specialised unit charged with protecting South Africa’s presidents. He served successive administrations, providing security for former presidents Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma, as well as the current head of state, Cyril Ramaphosa.

In his final posting as Section Head responsible for Global Coordination and Standards within Presidential Protection Services, he played a central behind-the-scenes role in planning and executing security arrangements for the president’s international travel and major state events. His expertise contributed to the successful hosting of high-profile gatherings including the 46th SADC Summit, the G20 Summit and the 15th BRICS Summit.

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Colleagues described his contribution as largely invisible to the public yet indispensable. Every presidential journey and major international engagement rested on meticulous advance planning, coordination across agencies and long hours of quiet professional work that Ditlhakanyane performed with consistent dedication.

He died last Saturday after his private vehicle collided with a truck on the R57 in the Vaal area. His sudden passing has left a deep void in the ranks of the Presidential Protection Services and the wider SAPS family.

In a formal tribute, the police service honoured him as an officer who gave his life to serving and protecting others. “Robala ka kgotso, Brigadier Ben Ditlhakanyane. Your duty is done,” the statement concluded.