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.
The full list of conditions is available on the SAPS website.
Possessing a driver’s licence is a recommendation but not a prerequisite for reservist.
Find out more about how to become a police reservist from the South African Police Service.
