Training and Induction

SAPS employees undergo the following 3 phases of training spanning over 21 months:

• Induction Phase: One (1) month's induction at a designated police station.
• Basic Training Phase: Eight (8) months' basic training at a designated SAPS Academy
• Probation Phase: After successful completion of the induction and the basic training phases, the police trainee will be appointed as a member of the service under probation. The police trainee will undergo on-the-job training for a period of twelve (12) months at a workplace determined by the service. During the probation phase, the police trainee will be designated as a constable.

The service pays a stipend of R4 500 per month (2019 terms) during the induction and basic training phases of the contract period. No other benefits and/or allowances are payable during these phases. The service pays a stipend equivalent to Band A Notch 1 (R142 140 per annum in 2015) during the probation phase. The police trainee will receive all benefits and/or allowances (subject to the qualifying criteria), that are applicable to a permanent member of the service.

Notch progression

As per the Promotion Policy SSSBC Agreement 3/2011, notch increases for satisfactory service occur every three years (until April 2019). Members are eligible for a pay progression of 4% every three years with effect from 1 July of each year based on performance and competency.

Ranks

SAPS employees can be employed in one of the following grades:

1. Student Constable
2. Constable
3. Sergeant
4. B1 Inspector 1/Warrant Officer
5. B2 Inspector 2/Warrant Officer
6. Captain (until 2009), Lieutenant/Captain (from 2010)
7. Col (until 2009), Major/Lieutenant Colonel (from 2010)
8. MMS: Colonel (inclusive package earnings)

Progressions and Promotions

Employees can progress from a lower to a higher grade within a defined career path by acquiring and demonstrating the required competencies and skills for a higher rank. This, however, depends on the employee’s performance, years on their current grade, seniority ad funding and might, thus, occur over time periods longer than prescribed.

The requirement for grade progressions are as follows:

Employees can be promoted to an advertised vacant and funded post of the next rank with increased responsibilities or complexities of duties. The requirements for such promotion are as follows: