TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT GETS A MAJOR QUALITY BOOST

Pictured above are traffic officers with their awards at the recent passing out parade

South Africa's traffic policing profession is set to undergo a major status and quality boost with effect from next year. This was revealed during the passing out parade for KwaZulu-Natal's newly qualified traffic officers' held in Pietermaritzburg on the 30th June 2006. Delivering the keynote address, KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety & Liaison Mr. Bheki Cele said that with effect from January 2007, the traffic officer's diploma course will be accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and the duration of the course will be extended from the current six months to approximately twelve months.

As from January 2007, the following entry requirements will apply before a person will be considered for a career in the traffic policing profession:

• Matric/grade 12 certificate or equivalent;
• Code B driving licence (manual transmission);
• Recognition of prior learning (RPL) certificate on the fundamentals for the above qualification;
• No criminal record;
• Medical certificate as proof that a person may do strenuous exercise;
• Private people may be allowed on the course; however preference will be given to people who are already employed by local and provincial authorities; and
• Applicants may not be older than 40 years of age.

Cele also said that he was particularly pleased that out of the 74 students who enrolled for this traffic officer's course, 28 were women. Sixty three (63) were from the provincial Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and 11 from various local municipalities. "I am particularly proud to report that 28 female traffic officers were part of this intake. We must ensure that the recruitment of more female traffic officers is accelerated."

The overall top student for this course was Sifiso Mthokozisi Kubheka from Dundee RTI who scooped awards for being the overall top student as well as the top student on dangerous goods. "It's only dedication and knowing what I wanted that enabled me to achieve these awards. I vow not to be involved in any illegal activities and I have the traffic officer's Oath of Honour to guide me," Kubheka said.

MEC Cele did not forget to reinforce his 100% compliance message to the new recruits: "Let me remind you that the law enforcement fraternity has no place for corrupt officials, so please stay away from any form of temptation of being involved in any act of bribery and corruption. Rest assured, you will be caught and punished."

The staff at the Traffic Training College managed to achieve an 89% pass rate, and 11 students passed Cum Laude.
 

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