- She leads a 30-member SAPS communication team responsible for media, digital, and public messaging.
- She serves as spokesperson for NATJOINTS during major national events and security operations.
- She won the 2024 National Press Club Government Spokesperson of the Year award.
When South Africans hear a major police announcement, a national security update, or communication during a time of crisis, the voice they often hear is that of Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.
Calm, composed, and deliberate in her delivery, Mathe has become one of the most recognisable public communicators in the country. Yet her journey to becoming the National Spokesperson of the South African Police Service was not built in front of cameras. It was shaped through years of work in media relations, crisis communication, and the demanding task of maintaining public trust when pressure is at its highest.
A career built behind the scenes
Long before she became the public face of SAPS, Mathe was developing the skills that would later define her career. Working in media relations exposed her to the realities of fast-moving news cycles, public scrutiny, and the importance of accurate information.
Over time, she built extensive experience in crisis communication management, learning how to communicate clearly when emotions are high and facts are still unfolding. That expertise eventually led her to one of the most influential communication positions in South African law enforcement.
Leading the SAPS communication machine
Today, Mathe does far more than deliver media statements. She leads a team of 30 communication specialists that includes media liaison officers, social media specialists, content developers, media monitoring experts, and web designers.
Under her leadership, SAPS has expanded its digital footprint to a combined audience of about 3.5 million followers across Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
The voice during national moments
Her influence extends beyond the police service itself. Mathe also serves as spokesperson for the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, the body responsible for coordinating safety and security for major events across South Africa.
In 2024, she found herself at the centre of some of the country’s most significant democratic moments. She led the public relations campaign for the National and Provincial Elections, as well as associated events such as the Opening of Parliament and the Presidential Inauguration that marked South Africa’s transition to a Government of National Unity.
These assignments required coordination across multiple government structures, careful messaging, and the ability to communicate confidently with both local and international audiences.
Recognition for communication under pressure
Her leadership during those events was formally recognised when the National Press Club named her the 2024 Government Spokesperson of the Year. The award was announced at the organisation’s ceremony in Pretoria on 25 April 2025, honouring her role in leading SAPS communication during the elections, the presidential inauguration, the opening of parliament, and the illegal mining incident in Stilfontein.
Receiving the award, Mathe said, “It is an honour to be recognised in this way. I dedicate this award to the men and women in blue who serve South Africans every day.”
Education that shaped the journey
Away from the spotlight, Mathe invested heavily in her education. She is a graduate of North-West University, where she obtained her BA Honours in Communication in 2013. She also holds a BA degree in Media Studies and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration.
Reflecting on her journey, she said the communication principles she learned at the university continue to guide her in public service. She added that the qualification gave her a strong foundation early in her career and helped set her apart during job interviews.
A growing list of honours
The National Press Club award is one of several recognitions she has received for her contribution to public communication. In 2024, she also received the SAPS National Commissioner’s Special Award for Outstanding Performance in Media Relations and the SAPS Corporate Communication Component Head Special Award for Outstanding Performance in Media Relations.
Her earlier achievements include being recognised among Equal Education’s 100 Shining Stars in South Africa in 2023 and receiving the SAPS Divisional Commissioner for Human Resources Special Award for Outstanding Performance in Media Relations in 2022.
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