SAPS promotes over 9,000 officers to higher ranks, breaks years-long backlog
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has promoted over 9,000 officers to higher ranks.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
In a decisive move to address long-standing promotion backlogs, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has promoted 9,548 officers to higher ranks, signalling a boost for morale and operational capacity across the force.
The promotions, effective December 1, 2025, target officers who have spent ten years or more in their current rank, spanning constables, sergeants, warrant officers, and other key personnel.
This strategic initiative forms part of the SAPS’s Human Capital Strategy, designed to retain critical skills, nurture leadership talent, and strengthen service delivery.
The breakdown of the promotions is as follows: 4,605 constables were elevated to sergeant; 3,989 sergeants to warrant officer; and 954 warrant officers received promotions to higher salary notches.
Among the beneficiaries were crime intelligence operatives, detectives, uniformed officers, and support staff, reflecting a cross-section of the police workforce.
In a statement, National Commissioner Gen. Fannie Masemola said the promotions were a deliberate effort to retain and develop internal talent.
“This is an early Christmas gift for our dedicated and loyal personnel. These promotions serve as a significant form of recognition and reward for hard work and dedication,” Masemola said.
He emphasised the broader impact on morale and performance: “This acknowledgement will hopefully boost morale and encourage our men and women in blue to perform at their best, leading to increased productivity and overall job satisfaction.”
The SAPS has faced criticism in recent years over delays in promoting skilled officers to higher ranks, creating a backlog that affected morale and leadership pipelines.
The SAPS process to select 5,500 police trainees is still underway, with thousands of applicants still undergoing the first step which is the psychometric and integrity testing assessments.
Image: Picture: Bongani Shilubane/IndependentNewspapers
These latest promotions signal a strategic push to resolve that challenge while preparing the organisation for future leadership demands, according to the police.
A further round of promotions remains pending and will be announced in the coming months. The SAPS promised additional career advancement opportunities for deserving officers.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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