Article: Nonhlanhla Khumalo from True Love

Having studied social sciences, Tummi worked as a researcher and banker before becoming an analyst and researcher for the police service. "Like every employee of the police service, I had to go through police training and entered the job as a captain. I worked with statistics and crime information. I volunteered at other units whenever I could and knew this would create networking and learning opportunities for me."

With a social sciences background it seemed fi tting that Tummi would pursue a career which would allow her to work closely with communities. The police service not only gave her that exposure, but it also gave her a huge responsibility, which is to protect her fellow South Africans.

It took Tummi just over two years to become a senior superintendent and a spokesperson for the Crime Intelligence Unit and Interpol.

"My work involves anythingthat deals with crime detection and prevention. I work with the Secret Service and Interpol, and handle extraditions and missing persons within and outside South African borders. I deal with matters of crime at national level and also work closely with the High Commissioner."

Tummi also works with the SAPS Women's Network, which drives community projects and aims to assist the needy, especially victims of crime.

When she took up this senior position in 2005, there were only three women in similar positions within the Crime Intelligence Unit. "At the beginning it was hard, because we had to answer many questions posed by male colleagues who had been in the service for many years. They couldn't understand how we (women) could come in and secure such high-level positions."

But Tummi says her superiors were very empowering and encouraging. "My seniors really supported me during this time. I remember there was a time when we were handling Al-Qaeda issues, when even Commissioner Jackie Selebi gave me his support and encouragement."

As a mother of two boys, Tummi still fi nds time to spend time with her children and says even though she's divorced, her work has never really affected her relationship with her ex-husband or her kids. "I do spend a lot of time with my little boys, and my partner also supports me," she says.