Do SAPS reservists get paid?

A police reservist is a member of the community who performs part-time policing functions or activities for SAPS on a voluntary basis without being paid.

How to become a police reservist

If you want to perform policing activities for the South African Police Service (SAPS) on a voluntary basis, you must apply to become a police reservist.

 A police reservist is a member of the community who performs part-time policing functions or activities for SAPS on a voluntary basis without being paid.

You cannot be appointed as a reservist if you:

  • have been discharged as medically unfit from a previous employer
  • are a former member of the SAPS whose application for re-enlistment was rejected
  • hold any post or office in a political party
  • are a full-time journalist or media representative
  • are a scholar
  • are a security officer
  • are a member of a municipal police service.   

The full list of conditions is available on the SAPS website.

To become a reservist you must:

  • have permanent residence in the Republic of South Africa
  • be at least be 25 years old and under 40 years of age
  • have no any mental defect, disease or infirmity which may interfere with the proper execution of your duties
  • be of good character
  • successfully complete psychometric tests as may be determined by the national commissioner
  • have at least a senior certificate or equivalent qualification of which you must provide documentary proof
  • be able to speak, read and write at least two official languages, of which one must be English
  • allow your fingerprints to be taken
  • not have been found guilty of an offence or be under prosecution of an offence
  • be prepared to undergo training
  • take the oath of office
  • have no visible tattoos when wearing a uniform.

How Much Does a Reserve Police Officer Get Paid?

Reserve officers are compensated with non-financial rewards. They wear uniforms, may receive firearms at certain levels, and ride in police vehicles alongside sworn officers. They gain leaderships skills and become effective spokespersons for their communities. They’re able to see law enforcement from the inside, and can decide whether they would like to pursue a career in this profession. When regular job openings do occur, experience in the reserves is a highly regarded qualification.

Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.