The R27,7 billion budget reduction, over the 2021 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), in relation to the 2020 budget estimates, comprises a reduction of R26, 2 billion, in respect of the compensation of employees and a
R1,5 billion reduction, in respect of goods and services. Of the R26,2 billion reduction on the compensation of employees, a reduction of approximately R18,8 billion is as a result of salary increases, which have not been provided for, over the period. As a result of these reductions, apart from the salary adjustments, the SAPS s ability to sustain the new intake of new recruits, as well as the capacitation of specialised units, will be severely affected.
In order to continue to allow for rte addressing of critical vacancies only and the augmenting of capacity at police stations, reprioritisation will remain a prominent feature over the medium-term. This will be achieved, by reducing the actual number of personnel allocated to non-operational, national and provincial competencies, in order to allow for the addressing of critical vacancies and the capacity at police stations and other key frontline capabilities, so as to ensure the sustainability of service delivery to communities. The reducing of non- operational national and provincial competencies, may however, compromise the various governance-related process that these capabilities are responsible for and which the operational environment relies on.
The Visible Policing Programme comprises of three sections, the first of which is Crime Prevention, which incorporates the majority of the basic functions that are performed at police station level; certain key abilities are, such as the Central Firearms Register (CFR) and the majority of the Crime prevention- orientated partnership initiatives, such as the Community Police boards and forums. The Specialised interventions Section represents critical specialised Capabilities, including the Public Order Policing (POP) Units, the Tactical Response Teams (TRT's) and the Special Task FORGO (STF). The final section, Border Security, includes the policing and border control functions that are performed, in respect of ports of entry.
The R14, 4 billion budget reduction in the Visible Policing Programme, over the 2021 MTEF, in relation to the 2020 budget estimates, amounts to R13.6 billion reduction in the Compensation of employees and a R0,8 billion reduction in goods and services. Approximately R9,8 billion of the R13, 6 billion reduction in the compensation of employees, is as a result of salary increases, which are not being provided for, over the period. In view of the decline in the budget allocation to the compensation of employees over the medium-term, alternatives such as technological enhancements and force-multipliers will be addressed, e.g. the recruitment of reservists has been identified as a mechanism that could compliment the SAPS’ personnel numbers, over a medium-term to longer period.
The situation means that SAPS must attempt to optimally use its existing resources but it also means that during the time, where intense police operations are required, for example during the festive season, the SAPS must resort to short-term interventions, e,g. not allowing members to take leave, recalling members from rest days and making use of overtime.
The SAPS is committed to ensure that it makes optimal use of its limited resources, to ensure that policing is not compromised, during festive season,
Reply to question 2482 recommended
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICANPOLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-12-15
Reply to question 2482 approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BHCELE, MP
DATE: 2021-12-21