PRETORIA – The South African Police Service has responded to social media claims that its latest recruitment drive excluded certain racial groups, revealing that it received more than one million applications for the current intake.
The police service addressed concerns on social media platforms suggesting the new cohort of recruits consists only of African applicants. SAPS explained that the final composition reflects the applicant pool and the outcome of prescribed recruitment processes.
More than one million apply
The current recruitment process drew 1 049 998 applications. Of these, 1 079 came from white applicants, 3 047 from Indian applicants, 53 797 from coloured applicants, while the majority came from African applicants.
The police service prioritised candidates with valid driver’s licences to meet operational requirements. Among applicants with licences, 556 were white, 1 722 Indian, 11 743 coloured and 291 591 African.
Last year’s demographics for new recruits deployed in the Western Cape saw 444 African, 295 coloured, one Indian and one white.
Rigorous selection process
All shortlisted candidates underwent psychometric and physical fitness assessments. The police service then conducted further screening, including interviews, medical assessments, drug testing, fingerprint verification, criminal record checks and reference checks.
Provincial Recruitment Boards, which include community representatives and members of Community Policing Forums, assessed the candidates and made final recommendations. Provincial Commissioners or their representatives chair these boards.
Outreach to underrepresented groups
SAPS acknowledged that African applicants dominate the applicant pool, which affects the final cohort’s composition. The service continues to encourage greater participation from white, Indian and coloured communities.
The police service plans targeted recruitment initiatives, including roadshows and community engagements, to reach underrepresented communities. These initiatives aim to bring recruitment opportunities directly to communities and provide information about requirements and processes.
Addressing unemployment
The recruitment drive forms part of SAPS’s efforts to tackle unemployment by creating opportunities for young South Africans. The service aims to strengthen policing capacity while ensuring it has the human resources to keep communities safe.
SAPS emphasised it seeks suitable, competent and diverse candidates from across South Africa who are willing to serve their communities. The service maintains its commitment to fair, transparent and inclusive recruitment while upholding standards of competence, fitness, integrity and suitability.
