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.