The South African Police Service (SAPS) has seen an overwhelming response to its latest recruitment drive, with over 185,000 applicants applying within the first 48 hours of opening the 2025 Basic Police Learning Development Training Programme (BPLDTP).
Gauteng leads the provincial breakdown with more than 53,000 applications, followed by KwaZulu-Natal (30,000), Limpopo (20,000), and Eastern Cape (19,000). Mpumalanga registered 18,000, while Western Cape, Free State, North West, and Northern Cape followed with 17,000, 14,000, 11,000, and 4,000 applications respectively.
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In a notable shift, female applicants make up the majority, submitting over 105,000 applications, compared to just over 80,000 from male candidates.
SAPS expressed optimism at the strong turnout, highlighting the interest of South African youth in serving their country. The organisation has urged applicants to remain patient as the high traffic continues to affect the SAPS careers website. Delays may occur, and candidates are advised to refresh the page if needed.
The recruitment drive marks a significant step in bolstering the country’s policing capacity while promoting youth employment.
