Warrant Officer Elma Kemp: SA’s First Female SWAT Leader in the UAE SWAT Challenge
Warrant Officer Elma Kemp, the only female member of South Africa’s Special Task Force in Pretoria, led an all-male team at the 6th edition of the UAE SWAT Challenge 2025, held in Dubai’s elite training grounds during February, 2025.
In a world where strength is often measured in steel and firepower, where tactical, physical, and mental endurance are pushed to the extreme, over 100 teams from around the world competed, showcasing their tactical abilities, endurance, and teamwork.
From the gsport Newsroom Archive September 2024
In the rest of the field, there were only five all-female teams, highlighting the rarity of women in such high-intensity competitions. But Kemp didn’t just participate- she led her team of seven men, demonstrating that true leadership is forged in action, not defined by convention.
As the commander of South Africa’s team, Kemp broke barriers and shattered expectations, proving that skill and perseverance knows no gender, and one woman can stand tall among men.
From the gsport Newsroom Archive June 2024
At just 34 years old, Kemp has earned her place in South Africa’s elite Special Task Force, a unit that makes no distinction between men and women in training or operations. She underwent the same gruelling selection process as her male counterparts, proving her capabilities through rigorous tactical, endurance, and combat training.
”In 2022, I was the only woman accepted among 10 men into the Special Task Force in Pretoria. Over 1,500 candidates- both men and women-applied that year. After months of relentless testing, only 110 were selected, including three women. In the end, just 11 of us made the final cut: Ten men and me.”
“Now, among 60 elite officers, I am the only woman who stood the test of time, proving that strength and determination are not defined by gender.”
South Africa’s Special Task Force Team Leader, Warrant Officer Elma Kemp
Kemp’s journey to the UAE SWAT Challenge was no accident. Every officer representing South Africa had to undergo advanced training and meet stringent selection criteria. Kemp not only qualified- she was chosen as the team leader.
”Being a woman in a high-stakes, physically demanding role isn’t just about keeping up-it’s about excelling. You must be as fast, strong, and resilient as your male counterparts. You cannot be a burden; you must be an asset. That’s the only way forward in this field.”
For Kemp, leading her team at the UAE SWAT Challenge was more than just a competition; it was a testament to her journey, resilience, and role in paving the way for future generations of female officers.
Despite a strong performance, Kemp’s team did not secure the victory this year. The competition was fiercer than ever, with 103 teams from around the world bringing new strategies, advanced training, and an unyielding drive to win.
”This year, teams were faster, stronger, and more tactical than ever before. We trained relentlessly for two months leading up to the challenge, and while we improved our performance, it wasn’t enough to claim the top spot. The bar gets higher every year, and we’ll be back stronger, with refined strategies and even greater determination.”
While Kemp takes immense pride in competing alongside men, she believes there is room for a separate women’s category within the UAE SWAT Challenge.
”This competition is as much about exchanging best practices and tactics as it is about winning. It brings together elite police forces worldwide, fostering collaboration and growth.”
“However, given the physical nature of these events, it would be beneficial to introduce a women’s classification across all five challenge categories. While I’ve proven that a woman can compete alongside men, the reality is that not all women in policing have the same training opportunities. A separate classification would encourage more female participation and help build stronger, more skilled women’s teams worldwide.”
Kemp acknowledges that her journey has been filled with challenges, not just physically but also in overcoming perceptions. ”In my country, there is no official distinction between men and women in law enforcement, but the reality is that the standards are brutal. The physical endurance tests, combat drills, and tactical training are punishing.”
“Being the only woman in my unit meant I had to work twice as hard to prove myself. I had to earn my place every single day. Over time, as I excelled in operations and tough missions, perceptions changed. My team now sees me as an equal, and that’s what matters most.”
Kemp’s resilience is deeply rooted in her passion for physical fitness and extreme sports.
“Before joining the police, I was a professional athlete. Competing in obstacle course events, CrossFit championships, and high-intensity endurance events across South Africa.”
“Even in my free time, I push my limits with activities like motorcycling and skydiving. Physical and mental toughness is a way of life for me, and that’s what drives me to keep pushing forward.”
Looking to the future, Kemp is optimistic about the role of women in tactical and military fields.
”The traditional mindset is changing, and more women are stepping into leadership roles in high-intensity fields. I truly believe that in the coming years, we’ll see more female officers in elite units. The key is to challenge stereotypes and prove that capability is not about gender- it’s about skill, dedication, and hard work.”
Her message to young women aspiring to follow in her footsteps? ”Don’t wait for permission to break barriers. Train harder, push further, and prove that limits exist only to be shattered.”
Main Photo Caption: Warrant Officer Elma Kemp, the only female member of South Africa’s Special Task Force in Pretoria, led an all-male team at the 6th edition of the UAE SWAT Challenge 2025, held in Dubai’s elite training grounds in February, 2025. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Kemp does not underestimate the commitment needed: ”Being a woman in a high-stakes, physically demanding role isn’t just about keeping up-it’s about excelling. You must be as fast, strong, and resilient as your male counterparts. You cannot be a burden; you must be an asset. That’s the only way forward in this field.” Photo: Supplied
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