New officers committed to improving WC traffic safety | Western Cape Government

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New officers committed to improving WC traffic safety

7 July 2016

The new graduates of Gene Louw Traffic College are looking forward to begin work at various traffic centres on 11 July 2016. Now that they have successfully completed the 12-month Further Education and Training Certificate: Road Traffic Law Enforcement, they are qualified traffic officers who can act in that capacity to make our roads safer.

Thirty of the graduates will join Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services, 10 will go to Big Five Hlabisa Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, seven will work for Overstrand Municipality, two will join the Breede Valley Municipality, and one will be working for Matzikama Municipality.

Over the last year, 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. They 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.

Jacqueline Gooch, Head of the Department of Transport and Public Works, told the graduates: “I trust that you will always reflect on what you have learned and what you have sacrificed to get to this point in your career. I appeal to all graduates here today not to become complacent. There is much more to learn in the real world of traffic law enforcement. Do what needs to be done to keep yourself safe in the course of your duties. Remember that you are now part of a profession that expects its members to show the highest levels of integrity and honesty, and the highest levels of care and respect for the people you serve.”

Yolandi Snyders (30) from Paarl scooped a number of awards. She won the Road Transportation Unit Standard Top Achiever and Legal Unit Standards Top Achiever awards. Snyders was also recognised as best overall achiever, with a final mark of 86,5%.

Snyders will be based at the Mossel Bay Traffic Centre and is looking forward to making a substantial difference on our roads.

”I worked hard to achieve my goals, but this is just the start. I really can’t wait to start working on Monday, to engage with road users and urge them to always display safe road safety habits. We have a vital role to play in enforcing the law, being visible at all times, and treating road users with respect and courtesy. However, law enforcement on its own cannot make our roads safe, so it is my intention to learn from experienced officers and try my best to improve road use behaviour in the execution of my duties.”

Snyders plans to study for the bachelor's degree in Policing Practice next year after having received a bursary from the Southern Business School.

Physical Training Top Achiever Monwabisi Siswana (29) from De Doorns will be based at the Worcester Traffic Centre.

“It is an honour to have become a qualified traffic officer. Words cannot express how I feel at this moment. I always had a passion for road safety and looking forward to playing my part. More hard work and challenges lies ahead, but I’m really to fulfil my duties. I would like to thank my family, and the facilitators at the college for their influence and support over the year.”

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