Serve, protect, and click to apply: SAPS launches e-Recruitment drive

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has officially unveiled its e-Recruitment initiative, heralding a transformative approach aimed at attracting 5 500 new police officers.

The new online platform allows individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply for entry-level Police Trainee positions—a significant step towards modernising and enhancing the integrity of the recruitment process.

In a historic move, the SAPS is adopting an Electronic Recruitment System for the first time, aimed at streamlining the application process while combating common issues such as paperwork overload, corruption, and lost applications.

The implications of this shift are substantial, promising increased fairness, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and transparency.

The nationwide recruitment drive opened on 30 June 2025, with applications set to be accepted until 18 July 2025. Young men and women aged between 18 to 35, who are eager to serve their country in policing roles, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Eligibility requirements include a clean criminal record and no pending criminal cases. Interested applicants can seize this opportunity by visiting www.saps.gov.za/careers and navigating to the e-Recruitment portal.

Moreover, the SAPS is implementing a targeted recruitment initiative focusing on candidates with specific skills and qualifications.

Graduates in fields such as Law, Policing, Criminology, Law Enforcement, Forensic Investigation, and Information Technology will be particularly considered for specialised units like the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and Crime Intelligence (CI). This tailored approach signifies the SAPS's commitment to building a versatile and capable force.

In its endeavour to recruit disciplined, energetic, and dedicated individuals, the SAPS has laid out a comprehensive selection process. Potential recruits will undergo a battery of assessments to ensure they meet the standards required for a role in policing.

This includes psychometric testing, integrity assessments, physical fitness evaluations, fingerprint screening, and medical checks.

Once selected, successful recruits will enter a rigorous nine-month training programme at SAPS training academies across the nation, where they will receive a monthly stipend of R4,500. This initiative is part of the broader Project 10 000 initiative led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which has seen the recruitment and training of over 30,000 young individuals as fully-fledged police officers in the last three years. Currently, 5,500 prospective officers are in training, with some expected to graduate in August and others in December 2025.

Importantly, the application process is entirely free, reinforcing the message that no position within the SAPS can be bought or sold, and that transparency in recruitment remains a priority.

Applications must solely be submitted through the official SAPS website portal, ensuring the integrity and efficiency of the recruitment process.

IOL