The SAPS says implementation of various human resource processes within the service is part of the organisation’s human capital investment strategy to boost the morale and well-being of its members.

"Since 1 April 2019 to date, a total of 21,367 South African Police Service (SAPS) Act and Public Service Act employees including senior managers have benefited from these processes," the statement said.

SAPS said the appointment of senior managers in key positions was part of the organisations plans to "increase capacity, enhance accountability and bring about stability within the respective provinces and divisions".

In a bid to downscale positions at top management while transferring resources and skills to grass roots, human resource utilisation and personnel management divisions have merged to form human resources management, with lieutenant-general Lineo Ntshiea as divisional commissioner. 

Major General Michael Motlhala, who joined the police services in 1988, has been promoted to lieutenant-general. Starting as a student constable at Sebokeng Police Station, he worked his way up through the ranks over 32 years in the police service, the SAPS said. 

Major General Johannes Riet, who has 33 years' experience in the service, has been promoted, also to the rank of lieutenant-general. 

"SAPS management is confident that all three of the above appointments will enhance accountability and service delivery to the South African Police Service and the people of South Africa," the statement said.

SAPS also says that it has dealt with the backlog in promotions and re-grading posts, and that 21,364 employees have benefited from this process.

It says t32,000 employees have benefited from this process in the 2018/19 financial year, which translates into advancing the careers of 53,364 employees in a period of two years. 

SAPS said the processes were achieved through extensive negotiations with its social partners, the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) and the South African Policing Union (SAPU).

"The overall exercise ... seeks to ensure that the morale of the men and women in blue is promoted to ensure that they continue to serve and protect the people of South Africa," the SAPS said.

“We are proud with the inroads that have been achieved in finalising the backlog. It would have been ideal to promote all the members at one go, but due to financial implications, the process has been broken down in a multi-year cycle for completion, and we are hoping to finalise this process in due course. 

"Our overall goal is to ensure that we address inequalities within the service with a view of sustaining a motivated workforce. 

"We take this opportunity to commend all our members for their commitment and dedication in the fight against crime amid the current pandemic,” the national commissioner of the SAPS, General Khehla Sitole, said.

African News Agency