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The South African Policing Union (SAPU) is offering 150 NQF Level 5 learnership opportunities in 2025 for dependants of active members. Find out eligibility, benefits, and how to apply before the 03 October 2025 deadline.
Introduction: A Pathway to Skills and Employment
South Africa faces a continuing challenge of high youth unemployment, with many young people struggling to find both training and meaningful work opportunities. In response, the South African Policing Union (SAPU) has launched the Youth Development Learnership Programme 2025, designed to empower the dependants of its active members.
This initiative offers structured learning, accredited qualifications, and workplace exposure, ensuring that young people gain the tools needed to enter the job market confidently. By providing 150 learnership placements across five provinces, SAPU is making a deliberate investment in the next generation.
What the SAPU Youth Development Learnership Offers
The programme is more than just classroom training. It combines academic study, practical workplace exposure, and financial support. Successful learners will receive:
- An accredited NQF Level 5 qualification, widely recognised across multiple industries.
- A monthly stipend for the 12-month duration, assisting learners with basic living costs.
- Hands-on workplace learning, which bridges the gap between theory and practice.
This mix of learning and work-readiness is especially important in South Africa, where employers often expect young candidates to have experience even for entry-level roles.
Provincial Allocation of Opportunities
SAPU has carefully distributed opportunities to ensure representation across provinces. The 150 posts are divided as follows:
- Gauteng: 25 positions
- Mpumalanga: 25 positions
- Free State: 40 positions
- Eastern Cape: 40 positions
- Northern Cape: 20 positions
By spreading opportunities, SAPU ensures that young dependants of its members have a fair chance of access, regardless of where they live.
Who Can Apply?
The SAPU Youth Development Learnership Programme 2025 is exclusive to dependants of active SAPU members who hold an active Dibanani or Ma-SAPU policy. Applicants must meet these criteria:
- Educational Requirement: Matric certificate (Grade 12).
- Age Requirement: Between 18 and 35 years old.
- Family Link: Must be a dependant of an active SAPU member (son, daughter, niece, nephew, etc.).
- Good Standing: Must have no criminal record.
- Documentation Required:
- Certified copy of applicant’s ID.
- Certified copy of the main member’s ID.
- Proof of an active Dibanani / Ma-SAPU policy.
This focus ensures that the programme benefits families who have dedicated years of service to the policing profession.
Why This Programme Is Important
South Africa’s policing community plays a central role in maintaining order and safety. However, their dependants often face the same socio-economic struggles as the broader youth population. The SAPU Youth Development Learnership bridges this gap by:
Useful Links:
- Supporting families directly linked to SAPU members.
- Reducing youth unemployment through skills and qualifications.
- Building long-term career readiness, equipping young people with both knowledge and practical exposure.
- Investing in community upliftment, as educated and employed youth contribute positively to their families and society.
This initiative demonstrates SAPU’s commitment not only to its members but also to their children and dependants who represent the future.
Benefits for Learners
Learners selected for the 2025 programme will receive a range of benefits:
- Financial Support: A monthly stipend throughout the 12-month period, enabling focus on training without financial strain.
- Recognised Qualification: On completion, learners will graduate with an NQF Level 5 certificate, a qualification level that carries weight in both public and private sectors.
- Workplace Preparedness: Practical training ensures learners gain confidence in applying skills to real-life work settings.
- Employment Opportunities: With both academic and practical training, learners become more competitive candidates for jobs.
The blend of these benefits makes the programme a rare chance for many young dependants who might otherwise lack access to structured career pathways.
Application Process
To be considered, applicants must prepare and submit the following:
- Certified copy of Matric certificate.
- Certified copy of applicant’s ID.
- Certified copy of the SAPU member’s ID.
- Proof of active Dibanani or Ma-SAPU policy.
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Applications should be sent via email to: hr@sapu.co.za
It is critical that all documents are complete and certified. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Important Dates
- Closing Date: 03 October 2025
- Programme Duration: 12 months
- Start Date: As communicated by SAPU after the selection process
Applicants are encouraged not to delay submissions, as late applications will not be accepted.
Downloadable Application Form
Applicants can access and complete the official form before submission.
Download the SAPU Youth Development Learnership Programme 2025 Application Form [here] (link provided by SAPU).
How the Programme Supports South Africa’s Broader Goals
The SAPU Youth Development Learnership Programme aligns with national priorities such as:
- Skills development: Equipping youth with qualifications relevant to the economy.
- Job creation: Preparing a pipeline of employable candidates.
- Economic empowerment: Offering opportunities that lead to financial independence.
- Community stability: Strengthening families connected to the policing sector.
By focusing on these areas, SAPU contributes to South Africa’s fight against unemployment while uplifting communities.
Voices from the Community
Many families of police officers often face long working hours, financial pressure, and limited access to opportunities. By creating a programme specifically tailored to them, SAPU acknowledges these realities and steps in to provide solutions.
Parents working in the policing sector can now feel assured that their dependants have access to career-building resources. Learners themselves can approach the future with greater confidence and direction.
Conclusion: An Opportunity Worth Taking
The SAPU Youth Development Learnership Programme 2025 is not simply another training initiative — it is a commitment to the next generation. With 150 positions available, stipends for financial support, and a recognised NQF Level 5 qualification at the end, the programme has the potential to transform lives.
For dependants of SAPU members, this is a chance to gain valuable education, workplace exposure, and a stronger foothold in today’s competitive job market.
Applications close on 03 October 2025. Eligible candidates are strongly encouraged to prepare their documents and apply without delay.
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