New officers to improve Western Cape traffic safety

The Western Cape’s provincial traffic service was strengthened on 2 July 2015 when 29 new traffic officers graduated from a year-long training course at the Gene Louw Traffic College in Brackenfell.

Six officers from KwaZulu-Natal also graduated. The officers will start to work full-time next week at various provincial traffic centres now that they hold the Further Education Training Certificate in Road Traffic Law Enforcement

The traffic officers were trained according to all applicable legislation and the requirements of a qualification as registered with the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA), the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA), as well as the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) guidelines on examining vehicles and licences. They have successfully completed firearm competency training, driver training (including articulated motor vehicle and motorcycle training), first aid training and training in fighting fires. In addition to their traffic diplomas, the graduates also received their Traffic Officer appointment cards.

Awarding excellence

Roderique Daniels (23) from Brackenfell scooped a number of awards. He won the National Road Traffic Act (NRTA) Unit Standards Top Achiever award, as well as the Legal Unit Standards Top Achiever and Road Transportation Unit Standard Top Achiever awards. Daniels was also recognised as best overall achiever, with a record-breaking final mark of 95,3%.

Daniels, who will be based at the Brackenfell Traffic Centre, was overjoyed. He said that the traffic college experience had a profound impact on his life.

“Although I am a qualified lawyer, I’ve always had a passion for traffic law enforcement. I grew up in a home where the wearing of a uniform was the order of the day as my father was employed as a police officer, and I have always looked up to him. I am hoping to use my knowledge and skills to contribute to reducing the death toll on our roads,” he said. Daniels said he wants to study for the National Diploma in Road Traffic and Municipal and Traffic Policing next year after having received a bursary from the Tshwane University of Technology.

Traffic Officer Nande Mngqibisa (27) from Mfuleni received two excellence awards: Top Achiever in Musketry and Best Practical and Physical Training Achiever. Prior to graduating, Mngqibisa was a police officer, but always dreamed of becoming a traffic officer.

“I am so happy that my dream has become a reality. I have always advocated for safer roads and fewer road traffic fatalities and I’m hoping to play my part in making a difference now.” Mngqibisa said he would like to work for the RTMC one day. For now, he is looking forward to his new job at the N2 Somerset Traffic Centre.

Traffic Officer Lucinda Parks (30) from Pniel received a bursary from the Southern Business School for her dedication and hard work.

“I look forward to making the most of this opportunity. My son was only five months old when I started this course last year. Although it was a difficult year, I want to work hard to create a better life for him,” she said. Parks, who will also be based at the Brackenfell Traffic Centre, said she wishes to become a facilitator at the college one today to share her knowledge with trainee traffic officers.

With power comes responsibility

Jacqueline Gooch, Head of the Department of Transport and Public Works, encouraged graduates to use their new legal powers responsibly. “With this power comes responsibility. Use it wisely and with integrity by striving to uphold the values of the provincial government. We are committed to providing effective traffic law enforcement and management towards safer Western Cape roads, with officers who are against corruption and bribery. May you be empowered to work hard to reduce road deaths and injuries and to instil value and trust in this profession,” said Gooch.

Strengthen the traffic service

Provincial Traffic Chief Kenny Africa said this year’s graduates have shown what one can achieve when you go the extra mile. “We are excited to welcome these young recruits to our traffic family. They have an important role to play and I am confident that they will make us proud by ensuring that we have better enforcement on our roads and fewer road deaths,” said Africa.