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It was a proud day for South African policing as 138 trainees from the South African Police Service (SAPS) completed the Occupational Certificate: Non-Commissioned Police Official qualification. The milestone states SAPS’s strong commitment to developing a skilled and ethical police force dedicated to serving communities with pride.
Their Story
The qualification was introduced in 2023 at the SAPS Academy in Ulundi. It combines classroom learning with practical experience to prepare officers for the realities of policing. Over 24 months, trainees completed 10 months of academic work, 12 months of workplace exposure, and a final integrated assessment.
They studied subjects such as professional conduct, crime prevention, crowd control, and firearm safety. The programme also strengthens leadership and discipline, two essential qualities for community policing.
The Event/Occasion
The graduation was hosted in partnership with SASSETA and accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). Acting Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant General Lineo Nkhuoa congratulated the graduates, saying, “You are now equipped with the skills and knowledge to protect and serve communities with honour.”
Community Reactions
The initiative has been widely welcomed as a key step toward professionalising law enforcement. It supports the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030, which calls for a capable and ethical state. Meanwhile, SAPS revealed that more than one million applications were received for the 2025/2026 intake, showing growing public interest in policing careers.
