Young traffic officer follows in father’s footsteps | Western Cape Government

News

News

Young traffic officer follows in father’s footsteps

7 July 2016

Just like his father, Nicholas Olivier (23) from Kuils River dreamed of becoming a traffic officer. His dream became a reality when he graduated from the Gene Louw Traffic College in Brackenfell on 6 July 2016. He now holds the 12-month Further Education and Training Certificate: Road Traffic Law Enforcement, which qualifies him to become a traffic officer and act in that capacity to make our roads safer.

Over the last year, Nicholas and 49 other course participants received training accredited by the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA), which includes instruction in the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) guidelines on road traffic law enforcement. All the participants have successfully completed firearm competency training, driver training (including articulated motor vehicle and motorcycle training), first aid training, and training in fighting fires. They were also deployed at various traffic centres to gain practical experience of traffic law enforcement duties during the Easter and December holiday periods.

His father, Leonard (52), is a Provincial Traffic Inspector based at the regional office in Brackenfell.

“My father inspired me to become a traffic officer. I grew up seeing him in the blue uniform, and the respect with which he dealt with road users, and I thought to myself, ‘I also want to be like him’. He always spoke passionately about road safety and traffic law enforcement, and today, I still look up to him with that admiration.”

Leonard is proud of his son’s achievements.

“It wasn’t an easy journey for Nicholas. He was turned down three times, but I told him not to give up. I could see in his eyes that he wanted to become a traffic officer. I am confident that he will grow and succeed in his role and become an officer we all can be proud of,” he said.

Dedicated and well-trained traffic officers play a vital role in improving road safety in South Africa. Nicholas and Leonard are both officers who recognise the importance of their role in the Western Cape. Both are proud products of the Gene Louw Traffic College, an institution that has provided high-quality professional and effective traffic officer training for 25 years.

Nicholas says he looks forward to start working at the Caledon Traffic Centre on Monday, 11 July 2016. “It’s an adaption to a new environment, but I have my father’s support, as well as support from the rest of the family, to keep me focused and encourage me to make a difference on our roads.”

Media Enquiries: 

Byron la Hoe
Communication Officer
Department of Transport and Public Works
Tel: 021 483 9813
Cell: 079 281 8570
Email: byron.lahoe@westerncape.gov.za

You can follow the Department of Transport and Public Works on Twitter: @WCGovTPW