The primary aim of this race is to raise funds for the widows and orphans of South Africa police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Almost daily we hear of the tragic and pointless deaths of brave South Africans serving on the front line of our Police Service, killed in the line of duty. Sadly, we don’t always realise the full implications of their deaths and the destitute families they leave behind, in some instances they are the breadwinners and supporters of more than just their own immediate family.

This cause is very close to the heart of our founder Rory Steyn, appointed one of the team leaders of President Nelson Mandela’s personal protection teams at the Presidential Protection Unit in 1996, and who served in the SA Police Service for 17½ years.

“This is my chance to give back to the organisation that I benefitted from to complete my education, give me opportunities that I now enjoy, and instilled in me the disciplines I continue to apply in my life today”

Other causes supported

African Icons Invitational also supports the the Megan du Plessis Special Needs Centre, a Partial Care Facility, catering for learners with Special Needs, including, but not limited to, Autism, ADHD, Epilepsy, Down Syndrome and other significant developmental delays or disorders.

SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE EDUCATION TRUST (SAPSET)

On 23 November 2010, SAPSET was registered to give a brighter future to the children of the fallen members who sacrifice their lives. They are financed by gifts, donations and sponsorships from personal individuals, businesses and contributions from employees and employers.

SAPSET embraces the social responsibility of caring for the educational requirements of the fallen heroes and heroines by offering economic and resource assistance to the children of SAPS staff (SAPS Act and PSA) who lost their lives in the execution of formal duties. SAPSET provides funding for the expenses of their educational requirements – from grade R to tertiary stage.

SAPSET provides the following types of support:

• Financial Assistance toward tuition and school fees;
• Resource Support e.g. stationery and uniform for children attending no-fee schools;
• Welfare Support e.g. referrals to SAPS employee Health and Wellness office for specialist such as social workers, spiritual workers and psychologists;
• Employment Support by means of assistance with applying for internship programmes (internal and external).

For more information visit https://www.saps.gov.za/resource_centre/publications/education_trust_fund/education_trust.php

WIDOWS AND ORPHANS FUND

The Fund is a private organisation that is managed as a non-profit company. The purpose of the fund is to provide financial assistance to the deceased contributors’ dependents.

The Fund obtains its income from:

• Voluntary contributions by SAPS serving and SAPS retired members
• Donations by the public and private companies
• Interest on investments
• Fund-raising projects held in the respective provinces

Benefits offered to Contributors and their Dependents:

• Financial aid to children up to the age of 19 years/Grade 12.
• Financial aid to disabled dependents for as long as necessary.
• Widow/widowers who are in financial need may apply for a term grant.
• A once-off payment to the widow/widower of a serving contributor directly after his/her death.

For more information visit http://wofund.org.za/