The South African Police Service (SAPS) said it has received an overwhelming 206 000 applications for 5 500 trainee vacancies within 48 hours.
The vacancies are for the police Basic Police Learning Development Training Programme (BPLDTP).
Speaking on YouFM Newshour, police national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the ministry is pleased with the high number of applications and encouraged with the level of interest shown by the youth to join their ranks.
“Since the advert went out, more than 206 000 have applied as of Wednesday evening, and the number is growing.
This is not the first time that we have received such high numbers, and this is what we get on a normal basis.
Last year alone on closing day, we received more than 600 000 applications,” said Mathe.
This is the first time that the SAPS is utilising the Electronic Recruitment System, which is expected to reduce paperwork, curb corruption and nepotism, and prevent lost applications.
Mathe implored applicants to exercise patience, as the ministry is overwhelmed with applications, adding that the SAPS official website is inundated with applications.
“People often complain that they don’t get replies, but the ministry is overwhelmed with applications.
But we’re also trying to explain that the volumes are just a lot, unfortunately not everyone will be called to write the psychometric or fitness test, because of the limited numbers.
We only have a spot for 5 500 and if we’re getting this high number, it tells you that the youth of this country are ready to serve and protect their fellow citizens,” explained Mathe.
Unlike in the past, Mathe said there’ll be a strict requirement process, to ensure that the SAPS recruit suitable candidates.
“We’re focusing more on people that studied policing related courses, i.e., Law, Policing, Forensic Science, Technology, IT, etc.
We’re moving towards the graduates, before we would say one must have matric, and it was sufficient.
But now we’re looking for a certain skill, but we’re not saying the once with matric would not be chosen, obviously those with Degrees or Diplomas, will have an upper hand this time around, because we’re looking at professionalising the service, ensuring that we get the best candidates within our ranks,” said Mathe.
According to the spokesperson, in terms of job applications per province, Gauteng is leading with more than 53 000, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 30 000, Limpopo follows with 20 000, Eastern Cape with 19 000 and Mpumalanga with 18 000.
Western Cape is number six in terms of applications with 17 000, followed by Free State with 14 000, North West 11 000 and lastly Northern Cape with 4 000.
“We’re pleased that female applicants are leading with more than 105 000 so far followed by male applicants that are standing at just over 80 000.
Usually when we go for training, we have more men than women, but now we have more females applying to join the ranks, and it is quite encouraging,” said Mathe.
The applications will be open until 18 of July.
