The implementation of affirmative action policy within the Pretoria District of the South African Police Service
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Authors
Hlongwane, Paulus
Issue Date
2013-06-13
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Affirmative action , Designated groups , Equal opportunity , Personnel staffing , Policy implementation , Recruitment , Scheduled castes , Selection , Unfair discrimination , South African Police Service (SAPS)
Alternative Title
Abstract
The primary aim of this study was to investigate the implementation of the affirmative action
policy within the Pretoria district of the South African Police Service. There is a need to
examine and understand how the SAPS remove unfair discrimination in recruitment and
selection processes in the implementation of affirmative action measures. Prior to 1994 the
South African Police Force was male dominated and racism was fully institutionalised. Black
people (Africans, Indians and coloureds), women and disabled people were marginalised and
denied appropriate employment and advancement opportunities. The focus of the study was
to identify challenges or problems encountered by the SAPS during the implementation of
affirmative action policy; propose the strategies through which the SAPS can address
discrimination in personnel staffing processes; and to assess and describe the criteria utilised
by the SAPS in identifying the beneficiaries of affirmative action. The study includes the
survey of international and national literature on the implementation of affirmative action.
The study was conducted at 35 police stations within the district of Pretoria. The survey
questionnaires were distributed to the respondents whereby three hundred and seventy (370)
returned completed questionnaires, meeting the required sample figures. The respondents
were selected by using a quota sampling. Qualitative research methodology was utilised in
the interpretation and analysis of data. In addition, data was also collected through the
documentary study.
The major findings of this study illustrated that job requirements and responsibilities are
seldom adjusted to accommodate disabled people. The communication of affirmative action
policy is seen by respondents as being problematic. Respondents believe that affirmative
action discriminates against certain groups within the disadvantaged groups. The research has
divulged that the usage of interviews and involvement of supervisors in interview panels
would minimise unfair discrimination in the allocation of promotional positions. Diversity
management is not fully implemented to support affirmative action. People of all races are
not employed to positions on the basis of their qualifications, experience and competencies as
they deserve. The SAPS does not consider academic qualifications as criterion in the
allocation of promotions.
Description
Citation
Hlongwane, Paulus (2013) The implementation of affirmative action policy within the Pretoria District of the South African Police Service, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/9849>
Publisher
License
University of South Africa