SAPS
By Mpho Moloi
The South African Police Service (SAPS) says women have led the surge in applications for its 2025/2026 Basic Police Development Learning Programme, with more than half of the over one million submissions coming from female candidates, alongside a strong showing from graduates.      
Massive Interest in SAPS Recruitment Highlights Youth Eagerness
The South African Police Service wrapped up its latest recruitment drive on 18 July 2025, receiving a staggering 1,049,998 applications for just 5,500 trainee spots in the Basic Police Development Learning Programme. This programme trains new recruits in key areas like crime prevention, investigation skills, and community engagement, preparing them to serve as police officers across the country. The huge response shows how many young South Africans are keen to join the fight against crime, especially with tough job markets pushing people towards stable public sector roles.
The drive kicked off earlier in July, and by 17 July, applications had already topped 927,000, with the numbers climbing fast in the final days. In the first 24 hours alone, over 67,000 people applied, setting a quick pace that kept up until the midnight deadline on 18 July. This online system made it easier for everyone to apply without paper forms, cutting down on delays and helping to keep things fair.
Women Take the Lead in Applications
SAPS says women have shown huge interest this time, making up 595,049 of the total applications, while men submitted 454,949. That means about 57% of applicants are women, a big step up from past years where fewer women applied for these roles. This shift is great news for building a more balanced police force that better represents South Africa’s people.
Women in policing can bring fresh ideas, especially in dealing with issues like gender-based violence and family disputes. Their strong turnout could help SAPS create teams that understand community needs better and work more effectively to keep neighbourhoods safe.
High Number of Graduates Apply
Among the applicants, 334,765 hold an NQF Level 6 Diploma or higher, like degrees in various fields. National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe explained the selection focus. “It is important that we note that first preference will be given to graduates in the Law and policing fields, Information Technology, Criminology, BSC graduates and then followed by graduates from other disciplines that are in possession of a driving license,” she said.
Mathe added that SAPS will also look at matriculants who can enter a Bachelor’s programme at university, plus those with a driver’s licence. This plan aims to bring in skilled people who can handle modern challenges, like using tech to fight cybercrime or applying science in investigations.
By 17 July, 261,255 applicants had a valid South African driver’s licence, showing many are ready for the practical side of policing. These qualifications could help strengthen the force with smarter, more prepared officers.
Applications from Across South Africa
Gauteng saw the most applications at 267,031, likely due to its big cities and high crime rates that motivate people to join. KwaZulu-Natal came next with 205,802, followed by Limpopo at 115,877, Eastern Cape at 108,709, and Mpumalanga at 100,516.
Western Cape had 86,496, Free State 73,214, North West 66,167, and Northern Cape the least at 26,186. Even with fewer from some areas, every province added to the mix, helping SAPS plan for needs in both urban and rural spots.
On 17 July, Gauteng had over 240,000, KZN over 179,000, and so on, with the final push adding thousands more.
What Happens Next in the Selection
With so many applying for only 5,500 places, less than 1% will make it through. SAPS is looking for young, fit, smart people from all backgrounds who are ready to serve. The next step is screening profiles to match requirements.
Those who qualify will hear back within three months. If not selected, there won’t be a notice sent out, due to the high numbers. The online system helped avoid old problems like long queues or unfair picks, making it smoother for everyone.
Some applicants faced slow website loads from heavy traffic, but SAPS tech teams kept things running, advising people to refresh and be patient. For help, they pointed to emails like erecruitmentincidents@saps.gov.za.
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