Applications close on Friday, 13 November 2026, and can be submitted through the official SAPS eRecruitment portal. Image: SAPS
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South Africa
Only 150 white applicants among 172,721 SAPS trainee applications
White applicants account for just 150 of the 172,721 applications submitted for 5,500 police trainee posts, according to the latest SAPS recruitment figures. More than 300,000 people have registered profiles since the online recruitment drive opened on 21 October.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has received 172,721 completed applications for its 5,500 police trainee posts, with white applicants accounting for just 150 submissions, according to figures released by the police on Saturday.
The figures show a significant difference in the number of applications recorded across racial groups, with African applicants making up the largest share.
SAPS recorded approximately 160,000 applications from African applicants, followed by 11,000 from coloured applicants and 600 from Indian applicants.
The recruitment drive has attracted strong interest since it opened on 21 October, with more than 300,000 profile registrations recorded in just over three days.
Of those registered, more than 232,000 have completed profile verification, while over 190,000 have started their applications.
The number of completed submissions remains below the total number of available positions, although the recruitment process is still open.
Female applicants have submitted more than 95,000 applications, compared with over 76,000 from male applicants.
Gauteng recorded the highest number of completed applications, with 49,518, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 33,661.
The Eastern Cape recorded 17,441 applications, while Limpopo and the Western Cape received 16,251 and 16,249, respectively.
Mpumalanga recorded 14,900 applications, followed by the Free State with 11,345, North West with 9,179 and the Northern Cape with 4,177.
SAPS said the high volume of traffic on its eRecruitment portal could cause delays for applicants attempting to register or submit their applications.
The police service said its Technology Management Services division and technology partners were working to manage the increased demand and keep the system operational.
Applicants who have successfully submitted their applications do not need to take further action, SAPS said.
Prospective recruits have been advised to avoid repeatedly submitting applications, apply outside peak hours where possible and rely on official SAPS communication channels for updates.
Applications close on Friday, 13 November 2026, and can be submitted through the official SAPS eRecruitment portal.
