Over a million apply to join SAPS: Women lead surge in 2025 police recruitment drive
Image: SAPS
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has reported a groundbreaking influx of applications for its Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP) for the 2025/2026 cycle, with a staggering 1,049,998 individuals applying before the midnight deadline on 18 July 2025.
This remarkable statistic underscores the growing interest in joining the police force, particularly among young South Africans aspiring to serve their communities.
The gender breakdown of the applications reveals an encouraging trend towards inclusivity, with 595,049 applications submitted by female candidates, compared to 454,949 from male candidates.
This positive shift indicates an increasing recognition of the importance of diverse representation within law enforcement roles.
Geographically, Gauteng emerged as the province yielding the highest number of applications, with 267,031 hopefuls eager to join the ranks of the SAPS. KwaZulu-Natal followed closely with 205,802 applications.
The interest is distributed variably across other provinces, with Limpopo at 115,877, Eastern Cape at 108,709, and Mpumalanga at 100,516. The Western Cape also secured significant interest, drawing in 86,496 applications, while the Free State accounted for 73,214. North West submitted 66,167, and the Northern Cape brought up the rear with a modest 26,186 applicants.
In a noteworthy indication of academic preparedness among applicants, 334,765 individuals possess qualifications at a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 6 (Diploma) or higher, which suggests a highly educated pool of candidates ready to tackle the challenges of policing.
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As the application phase officially closes, the SAPS has informed applicants that they will no longer accept submissions through their website.
Candidates whose profiles meet the specified requirements can anticipate being contacted within three months regarding the next steps of their application process. However, the police service has indicated that, due to the overwhelming number of applications received, those who do not meet the necessary criteria will not be notified.
This massive response to the BPDLP serves as a clear testament to the dedication and commitment of South African youth to uphold justice and contribute positively to society.
As the SAPS prepares to review the applications, all eyes will be on the next generation of police officers who will soon emerge, driven by their passion to protect and serve.
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