The unexpected closure of the N3 this past weekend, and the critical role of the SAPS in supporting disaster management operations, has once again highlighted the sector’s responsibility to protect lives beyond crime prevention alone. Servicing at the highest level comes at a cost however, as recognised at various SAPS memorial ceremonies held across the country at the start of September. With new Police Minister Senzo Mchunu prioritising “renewal” to rebuild trust and confidence in our country’s police force, Dumisani Sibanda, Fundi’s Executive Head of Strategic Projects, notes that the number of SAPS members already investing in their own skills development and growth speaks to positive internal commitment towards achieving this goal.
South Africa’s crime statistics continue painting a sobering reality, with overall levels of violent crime remaining high. “While many police efforts result in arrests, this is often at great cost to officers themselves with almost 40 police officers tragically losing their lives in the line of duty in the past year, highlighting the risks involved in battling crime[1],” says Sibanda. “Supporting the SAPS therefore needs to be one of our collective priorities – with education and skills development critical to building a strong police force, and tipping the balance in their favour.”
He notes that Fundi’s funding data over the past year speaks positively about SAPS members driving their own development: “We currently have over 9 500 SAPS loans in our system with a collective value of more than R66 m. While some of these loans are supporting dependents, a high value is for SAPS members themselves – with almost 20% studying through UNISA and another 25% studying with Southern Business School.” The number of “returning” loan applicants is also positive; demonstrating the drive towards continuous improvement and growth. “Returning loan users are often those who have set themselves promotion goals or are working towards management positions. They could also be working towards niching themselves in a specialist field.”
The fact that most SAPS officers fall into the “missing middle” where they do not qualify for a study loan from a traditional financial institution makes these numbers even more significant. “Many people don’t realise that most public servants find themselves trapped in the ‘missing middle’ when it comes to accessing study loans. This financial gap makes it difficult for many officers to pursue the qualifications that could increase their ability to serve their communities. Supporting the SAPS with sustainable funding solutions is therefore crucial, and something we are committed to as Fundi. Encouraging more officers to upskill could additionally lead to a police force better equipped to respond to the multifaceted challenges South Africa faces,” explains Sibanda. “The over R66 m therefore speaks to dedicated budgeting and planning – and clearly working towards a future goal. Our year-on-year data shows that this is a growing trend.”
With 4 500 new SAPS entry level trainees already having started their training as part of the 2024/25 recruitment drive[2], there is no shortage of interest in joining the police force: over a million applications were received for the latest intake[3]. “This speaks to the vocational nature of a career with the SAPS and the depth of career options available if one chooses this path, including forensic science, cybersecurity and law among others, areas that are increasingly relevant in modern policing.”
For Sibanda, finding new and innovative ways to support skills development and growth across the public sector remains critical to supporting growth and development of local communities. “Creating affordable funding solutions for the people who live on the ‘frontline’ each and every day has never been so important. These must unlock relevant opportunities for both them and their families and prepare them to navigate the complexities of the future,” he concludes.
[1] https://mg.co.za/crime/2024-08-30-police-crime-statistics-spike-in-murders-of-women-and-children/; https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=55503
[2] https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/selnewsdetails.php?nid=54280
[3] https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/selnewsdetails.php?nid=52661