A SAPS Reservist salary in South Africa is usually R0 per month because SAPS Reservists perform voluntary policing duties without expecting a salary. A reservist is not the same as a permanently employed SAPS police officer. In normal circumstances, reservists volunteer their time and services in support of the South African Police Service, although reimbursement, compensation or allowances may apply in specific approved circumstances.
A SAPS Reservist is a member of the South African Reserve Police Service who assists SAPS with policing duties. Reservists may wear SAPS uniform while on duty and may have policing powers when officially performing reservist duties, but they are not paid like permanent SAPS members.
Key takeaways
- SAPS Reservists are usually volunteers, not salaried employees.
- The normal SAPS Reservist salary is R0 per month.
- SAPS states that a reservist serves as a volunteer in support of the police.
- A SAPS reservist advert states that reservists perform voluntary duty without expecting compensation, unless called up under specific circumstances.
- Reservists may be reimbursed for certain approved expenses, but reimbursement is not the same as a monthly salary.
- Reservist experience may help someone understand policing, but it does not automatically guarantee permanent SAPS employment.
SAPS Reservist salary range in South Africa
| Role type / situation | Estimated monthly salary |
|---|---|
| SAPS Reservist volunteer duty | R0 |
| SAPS Reservist normal monthly salary | R0 |
| Expense reimbursement | Varies by approved claim |
| Special call-up / approved allowance situation | Varies by SAPS approval |
| Permanent SAPS Constable | Paid according to SAPS salary scale |
Salary information for SAPS Reservists is different from most jobs because reservists are not normally paid a monthly salary.
SAPS describes a reservist as a person appointed by the National Commissioner as a member of the Reserve Police Service to render services as a volunteer in support of the police. The South African Government also explains that a person can apply to become a police reservist if they want to perform SAPS policing activities on a voluntary basis.
Older SAPS reservist recruitment material states that a reservist performs voluntary duty in SAPS without any expectation of receiving compensation, unless called up by the National Commissioner under specific circumstances. SAPS annual reporting also describes reservists as community members who volunteer their time, services or expertise without expectation of remuneration, although some budgets have been used for reservist remuneration during specific call-up operations.
What does a SAPS Reservist do?
A SAPS Reservist supports permanent police members with approved policing duties.
Typical duties may include:
- Supporting visible policing
- Assisting at police stations
- Supporting crime prevention operations
- Helping during community safety initiatives
- Assisting with patrols when officially on duty
- Supporting event or festive-season operations
- Assisting with tourism safety or special operations
- Helping SAPS strengthen local policing capacity
- Wearing SAPS uniform while on duty
- Acting under SAPS command and instructions
- Supporting the constitutional policing mandate of SAPS
Reservists are not informal volunteers. They are appointed into a formal SAPS reservist structure and must follow SAPS rules, regulations and instructions.
Is a SAPS Reservist paid?
Usually, no.
A SAPS Reservist is generally a volunteer and should not join with the expectation of receiving a salary. The normal salary is R0 per month.
However, this does not mean that reservists can never receive any money at all. In some cases, SAPS policy and instructions may allow for reimbursement of approved expenses or compensation in specific circumstances. For example, policy material refers to reimbursement of expenses where reservists are required to report elsewhere for duty and official transport is not provided.
This should not be confused with a normal salary, wage or permanent SAPS employment package.
SAPS Reservist vs permanent SAPS officer salary
A SAPS Reservist is a volunteer member of the Reserve Police Service.
A permanent SAPS officer is an employed police official who receives a salary and employment benefits according to SAPS salary structures.
| SAPS Reservist | Permanent SAPS police officer |
|---|---|
| Volunteer service | Paid employment |
| Usually R0 monthly salary | Monthly salary and benefits |
| Supports SAPS duties when officially on duty | Full-time SAPS employment |
| May receive approved reimbursement in some cases | Receives salary, leave and employment benefits |
| Does not automatically become permanent | Appointed through SAPS recruitment process |
Permanent SAPS posts may include roles such as Police Trainee, Constable, Sergeant, Warrant Officer, Captain and other ranks. These roles have salaries, benefits and formal employment conditions.
Can SAPS Reservists receive allowances?
Possibly, but not as a normal guaranteed salary.
SAPS reservist policy material distinguishes between reimbursement of expenses and allowances. It notes that reimbursement may apply in certain cases, such as reasonable travel-related expenses where a reservist is required to report elsewhere for duty and official transport cannot be provided. It also notes that allowances require proper approval and guidelines.
This means a reservist should not assume that they will receive monthly pay, allowances or call-out money unless SAPS has officially approved it.
Can SAPS Reservists claim expenses?
In some approved cases, yes.
Possible reimbursable expenses may include reasonable duty-related costs that are properly authorised and supported by proof. This could include travel or incidental expenses in specific circumstances.
The key point is that reimbursement must be handled through SAPS rules. Reservists should keep records, follow instructions and ask their station or SAPS supervisor what claims are allowed before spending money.
Why become a SAPS Reservist if it is unpaid?
People may become SAPS Reservists for reasons such as:
- Serving their community
- Supporting crime prevention
- Gaining policing exposure
- Helping SAPS during high-demand periods
- Building discipline and public-service experience
- Learning more about police work
- Supporting local safety initiatives
- Contributing to community-oriented policing
It can be meaningful community service, but it should not be treated as a paid job.
Does being a SAPS Reservist lead to permanent employment?
Not automatically.
Being a reservist may provide useful exposure to policing, but permanent SAPS employment normally requires applying through official SAPS recruitment processes and meeting the requirements for the relevant post.
SAPS has previously had recruitment streams where active serving reservists could apply for permanent enlistment as Constables, but this depends on the recruitment campaign, available posts, eligibility criteria and SAPS approval at the time.
SAPS Reservist requirements
The South African Government explains that people who want to perform policing activities for SAPS on a voluntary basis can apply to become a police reservist.
Requirements may include:
- South African citizenship or permanent residence, depending on the applicable SAPS requirements
- Minimum age requirements
- No criminal record
- Fitness and suitability checks
- Psychological assessment where required
- Training requirements
- Availability to perform reservist duties
- Compliance with SAPS rules and instructions
- Meeting the standards set by the National Commissioner
Applicants should always check the latest SAPS reservist recruitment notices because requirements may change.
SAPS Reservist vs security guard salary
A SAPS Reservist is a volunteer supporting the South African Police Service.
A security guard is normally employed by a private security company, business, estate, retail site or organisation and earns a wage or salary. Security guards are regulated separately from SAPS and may be paid according to private-security sector rules and employer agreements.
SAPS Reservist vs metro police volunteer salary
A SAPS Reservist supports national policing through SAPS structures.
Municipal, metro or community safety volunteer roles may operate under different rules depending on the city or municipality. They should not be assumed to have the same powers, duties or payment arrangements as SAPS Reservists.
How to move from SAPS Reservist to paid policing work
To move toward a paid policing career, a reservist would usually need to apply for permanent SAPS employment or another paid law-enforcement role.
Useful steps include:
- Watch official SAPS recruitment notices
- Keep service records and duty history
- Maintain a clean disciplinary record
- Complete all required reservist training
- Build fitness and policing readiness
- Gain station-level experience
- Understand SAPS procedures
- Prepare for assessments and interviews
- Consider related careers in law enforcement, security, investigations or emergency services
- Apply through official recruitment channels only
The strongest reservists are reliable, disciplined and realistic about the role. They understand that reservist work is voluntary service, not a guaranteed salary or automatic route into permanent SAPS employment.
FAQ: SAPS Reservist salary
What is the salary of a SAPS Reservist in South Africa?
The normal SAPS Reservist salary is R0 per month. SAPS Reservists generally perform voluntary duties without expecting a monthly salary.
Are SAPS Reservists paid for duty?
Usually, no. Reservists are volunteers. However, reimbursement or compensation may apply in specific approved circumstances, such as authorised expenses or special call-up arrangements.
Is a SAPS Reservist a police officer?
A SAPS Reservist is a member of the South African Reserve Police Service and may have policing powers when officially performing duty as a reservist. However, a reservist is not the same as a permanently employed SAPS police officer.
Can a SAPS Reservist become a permanent police officer?
Possibly, but not automatically. A reservist must apply through official SAPS recruitment processes and meet the requirements for permanent appointment.
Do SAPS Reservists wear uniform?
Yes. SAPS says reservists wear the same uniform as permanent members while on duty, but they are identified as reservists through insignia.
Should I become a SAPS Reservist for income?
No. SAPS Reservist work should not be treated as a source of income because it is normally unpaid voluntary service. If you need paid work, look for permanent SAPS vacancies, municipal law-enforcement jobs, private security work or other paid public-safety roles.
Sources
- SAPS reservist information – https://www.saps.gov.za/services/reservist.php
- SAPS reservist information page – https://www.saps.gov.za/services/_reservist.php
- South African Government: How to become a police reservist – https://www.gov.za/services/services-residents/world-work/looking-employment/how-become-police-reservist
- SAPS careers page – https://www.saps.gov.za/careers/careers.php
- SAPS reservist recruitment advert – https://www.saps.gov.za/careers/downloads/draft_advert_reservists_2016_10_23.pdf
- SAPS annual report 2019/2020 – https://www.saps.gov.za/about/stratframework/annual_report/2019_2020/annual_report_2019-2020.pdf
- Civilian Secretariat for Police reservists policy – https://www.policesecretariat.gov.za/sites/default/files/publications/reservists_policy.pdf
- South African Police Service Act on SAFLII – https://www.saflii.org/za/legis/consol_act/sapsa1995301/
