New traffic officer recruits to get professional training | Western Cape Government

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New traffic officer recruits to get professional training

24 February 2021

The Department of Transport and Public Works recruited a total of 90 participants to undergo a 12-month traffic officer’s training course at Gene Louw Traffic College (GLTC) in Brackenfell. The course commenced on 1 February 2021. The participants will be receiving training accredited by the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) and Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).

Participants must be found competent during the practical and theoretical assessments determined by RTMC and SASSETA policy guidelines and those who successfully complete the course will graduate with a Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC) in Road Traffic Law Enforcement. The course consists of 31 unit standards covering subjects that include the implementation of the National Road Traffic Act (NRTA) and the Criminal Procedure Act, as well as guidelines for road traffic law enforcement.

Participants will also undergo firearm competency training, first aid training, training in basic firefighting, and additional driving training where necessary.

The College has a well-deserved reputation for producing dedicated and well-trained traffic officers. To be accepted as trainees, applicants must be employed in a vacant traffic officer post at a local authority or provincial administration.

Admission requirements

  • Grade 12 certificate or equivalent NQF level 4.
  • Permanent employment at a provincial/local authority as a traffic officer.
  • No criminal record.
  • Must be medically, physically and mentally fit as well as competent to perform the applicable tasks and duties.
  • Code B driving licence (manual transmission). Learner’s licences will not be accepted.
  • Applicants must not be older than 35 years.

Through Provincial Traffic Services, the Department provides a 24/7 traffic law enforcement service. Once course participants have successfully completed their traffic officer training, they may be offered a position as a provincial traffic officer at one of the thirteen Western Cape Provincial Traffic Centres. They will be expected to work shifts, including public holidays and Sundays, and additional hours, if required.

During their training, participants will work alongside experienced officials to sharpen their knowledge and know-how. They will also get the opportunity to apply their new skills in a high-pressure environment, for example, controlling traffic and systematically roadside inspection of vehicles, as well as applying the NRTA. During the COVID-19 pandemic, traffic officers have also been helping enforce relevant provisions of the Disaster Management Act and its regulations.

The Department’s traffic service has had a number of major successes in recent years. In addition to regular traffic law enforcement, during roadside operations, traffic officers regularly confiscate illegal goods such as abalone, drugs, and illicit cigarettes.

By increasing the number of well-trained traffic officers, GLTC makes a key contribution to better road safety in South Africa.

Media Enquiries: 

Jandré Bakker
Head of Communication
Department of Transport and Public Works
Email: Jandre.Bakker@westerncape.gov.za